KNUST Research Week and Scientific Conference: Empowering Researchers to Achieve Impactful Outcomes

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis that demands the discovery of new, affordable therapeutic agents. This study explored the stem bark of Rhodognaphalon brevicuspe (Malvaceae), a plant used in West African traditional medicine, as a potential source of antimicrobials. Crude extracts were prepared by solvent partitioning and subjected to bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation. The ethyl acetate and petroleum ether fractions demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial activity. Spectroscopic analyses (IR, NMR) revealed functional groups including hydroxyl, ester, carbonyl, and aliphatic moieties. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays showed significant activity of the ethyl acetate fraction against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.56 mg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (1.56 mg/mL), and Candida albicans (0.75 mg/mL). These findings highlight R. brevicuspe* as a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential application in combating resistant infections. The study bridges ethno medicine and modern drug discovery, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 2 (Zero Hunger).