F. I. Akinnibosun

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is widely known for its medicinal and antimicrobial properties, with its extracts being used in traditional and modern medicine. Due to the increasing resistance of bacteria to conventional antibiotics, plant-based antimicrobials have gained attention as alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of hot and cold water extracts of Lemongrass leaves against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas sp. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides in both extracts, with glycosides being more prominent in the hot extract. Saponins, steroids, and terpenoids were absent. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, where the hot extract showed higher zones of inhibition at 100% concentration: S. aureus (13.00 ± 0.00 mm), E. coli (16.00 ± 0.00 mm), and Pseudomonas sp. (18.20 ± 0.00 mm), compared to the cold extract: S. aureus (9.0 ± 0.50 mm), E. coli (11.20 ± 0.20 mm), and Pseudomonas sp. (12.00 ± 0.00 mm). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) revealed that the hot extract inhibited E. coli at 25 mg/ml, Pseudomonas sp. at 50 mg/ml, and S. aureus at 25 mg/ml, while the cold extract only inhibited Pseudomonas sp. at 100 mg/ml and S. aureus at 25 mg/ml. Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) results showed that the hot extract was bactericidal against S. aureus and bacteriostatic against E. coli and Pseudomonas sp., while the cold extract was bactericidal against Pseudomonas sp. and bacteriostatic against the other isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated that Gram-positive bacteria were highly susceptible to ciprofloxacin, while Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to azithromycin. These results highlight the potential application of Cymbopogon citratus as an alternative treatment for bacterial infections, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is widely known for its medicinal and antimicrobial properties, with its extracts being used in traditional and modern medicine. Due to the increasing resistance of bacteria to conventional antibiotics, plant-based antimicrobials have gained attention as alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of hot and cold water extracts of Lemongrass leaves against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas sp. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides in both extracts, with glycosides being more prominent in the hot extract. Saponins, steroids, and terpenoids were absent. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, where the hot extract showed higher zones of inhibition at 100% concentration: S. aureus (13.00 ± 0.00 mm), E. coli (16.00 ± 0.00 mm), and Pseudomonas sp. (18.20 ± 0.00 mm), compared to the cold extract: S. aureus (9.0 ± 0.50 mm), E. coli (11.20 ± 0.20 mm), and Pseudomonas sp. (12.00 ± 0.00 mm). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) revealed that the hot extract inhibited E. coli at 25 mg/ml, Pseudomonas sp. at 50 mg/ml, and S. aureus at 25 mg/ml, while the cold extract only inhibited Pseudomonas sp. at 100 mg/ml and S. aureus at 25 mg/ml. Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) results showed that the hot extract was bactericidal against S. aureus and bacteriostatic against E. coli and Pseudomonas sp., while the cold extract was bactericidal against Pseudomonas sp. and bacteriostatic against the other isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated that Gram-positive bacteria were highly susceptible to ciprofloxacin, while Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to azithromycin. These results highlight the potential application of Cymbopogon citratus as an alternative treatment for bacterial infections, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

The presence of microorganisms on barber‟s tools has garnered significant attention due to its potential impact on hygiene and public health. This project was aimed to investigate and analyze the diversity, abundance, and pathogenic potential of microorganisms found on barbering tools, focusing on shaving sticks, clippers, and combs, within a range of barbershops. The proliferation of microorganisms on these tools can potentially lead to the transmission of various bacterial, fungal, and viral agents and also hair and skin infections including; impetigo, head lice, barbers‟ itch, and tinea capitis, raising concerns about skin and respiratory infections among clients. This study aimed at isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms associated with barber‟s equipment, three (3) clippers sample were collected from each of the three (3) barbing salons, three (3) comb samples were collected from the three (3) salon each and three (3) used personal shaving sticks were collected from three (3) individuals each making a total of nine samples (9) on the Combs, Clippers and Shaving sticks. Identification of the microorganisms after culturing was done using Gram staining techniques and biochemical test. Antibiotic sensitivity test was also carried out using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. The results showed that bacteria and fungi were present on the barber‟s tools. The probable identified bacterial isolates were Clostridium sp., Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp., Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus sp. Klebsiella sp. was the most prevalent bacterial isolate while Clostridium sp. was the least prevalent bacterial isolate. Saccharomyces sp. was the most prevalent fungal isolate while Fusarium sp. was the least prevalent fungal isolate. This study reveals that barber‟s tools without treatment would pose a possible hazardous health effect. Therefore, barbers should ensure compliance with relevant prevention and control options to avoid risks to human health