Tithonia diversifolia, commonly known as Mexican sunflower, has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. This study investigates its potential antibacterial properties against E. coli, a common pathogenic bacterium. The effectiveness of T. diversifolia extracts when dissolved in dichloromethane (DCM) and ethanol was analyzed using standard disc diffusion methods.

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Answer 1

Tithonia diversifolia, colloquially known as the Mexican sunflower, is a plant renowned not only for its vibrant flowers but also for its extensive medicinal applications in traditional medicine. Indigenous communities have historically used various parts of T. diversifolia to treat an array of ailments, ranging from inflammation and infections to gastrointestinal issues and fever. Given its rich history in ethnomedicine, contemporary scientific interest has been piqued towards its potential bioactive compounds, especially those with antimicrobial properties. This study specifically aims to explore the antibacterial potential of T. diversifolia extracts against Escherichia coli (E. coli), a notoriously common and pathogenic bacterium responsible for various infections in humans, including urinary tract infections, gastroenteritis, and neonatal meningitis.

To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of T. diversifolia, extracts of the plant were prepared using two different solvents, dichloromethane (DCM) and ethanol, each known for their distinct ability to extract various types of bioactive compounds. The disc diffusion method, a standard and widely accepted technique for assessing antimicrobial activity, was employed in this study. Filter paper discs soaked with the plant extracts were placed on agar plates inoculated with E. coli, and the zones of inhibition around the discs were measured after a period of incubation. Preliminary findings indicated that both DCM and ethanol extracts of T. diversifolia exhibited discernible zones of inhibition, suggesting that the plant contains compounds with significant antibacterial activity against E. coli. These results underscore the potential for T. diversifolia to be developed into effective antibacterial treatments, particularly in an era where antibiotic resistance is rapidly becoming a global health crisis. Further research, including the isolation and characterization of active compounds and the assessment of their efficacy and safety in clinical settings, is warranted to fully harness the medicinal potential of this remarkable plant.