Chlorophytum comosum, commonly known as spider plant, belongs to the Chlorophytum genus, which consists of over 200 species of evergreen perennial flowering plants in the century plant. It is a popular houseplant and monocotyledon from the Asparagaceae family, typically growing up to 60 centimeters tall and characterized by tufts that resemble grass. Its leaves are narrow-linear, up to 2 centimeters broad, solid green, curved, shiny, and blunt at the tip and may have light green with white longitudinal bands, which gives rise to the variegated type. The flowering racemes of the spider plant are long and pendulous, with up to 20 centimeters of white flowers, while its fruit is a three-angled capsule containing three to five flat, glossy, black seeds.

Several species of Chlorophytum serve as medicinal herbs in traditional African, Chinese, and Indian medicines. Researchers have shown interest in the Chlorophytum plant due to its long history of use in traditional medicine. Studies have been conducted to evaluate the biological activity of preparations made from various Chlorophytum species which have immunomodulatory, anti-infectious, antibacterial, antinociceptive, and antioxidant properties.

Antibacterial drugs have been a crucial weapon in combating bacterial illnesses over the years. However, as the number of bacteria resistant to antibiotics continues to rise, antibiotic effectiveness has declined. Bacteria have the genetic potential to acquire and transmit resistance to synthetic medications, thus the importance of alternative medicines for people. There is a constant need for novel antibacterial drugs that will not harm humans or the environment, as the emergence of pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics is a global concern. This study aims to assess the phytochemicals found in the leaves of C. Comosum and its antimicrobial activity.

Objectives of the Study:

This study aims to ascertain the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial properties of the extract of Chlorophytum Comosum specifically by determining the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, amino acids, reducing sugars, and flavonoids. Additionally, the study will quantify the total phenolic content using the UV-VIS technique and compare Chlorophytum Comosum's extract with ethanol and distilled water.

Significance of the Study:

The results of this study can contribute to generating more sources of anti-bacterial active substances that are needed for the formulation of antibacterial agents. Information gathered during this study may serve as a baseline for the potential of the plant as an antibacterial agent. This study's findings may add to the indigenous sources of antibacterial plants and suggest an alternative source of antibacterial agents that are safer and more affordable.

Scope and Limitation:

This study focuses on the determination of phytochemical and antibacterial activities of the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) crude leaf extract. The plant leaves were purchased online from the Shopee online shop. The extract will be concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The phytochemical screening will be conducted qualitatively to confirm the existence of the plant constituents that exhibit the antibacterial property. Antibacterial screening of the crude extract will determine its ability to inhibit growth against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using broth and agar dilution methods. The authentication of the plant will be conducted at the National Museum located at Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila. Phytochemical screening will be done at the Technological University of the Philippines-Manila, while microbial screening will be conducted at the University of the Philippines-National Science Research Institute (UP-NSRI).

Reference:

Spider plant, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum, is a type of greenery that is also commonly referred to as Ribbon Plant. In addition to its ornamental value, this plant is also recognized for its therapeutic properties as an herbal medicine in the Philippines. The StuartXchange website provides further information on the various medicinal uses of this plant. This resource can be accessed at http://www.stuartxchange.org/SpiderPlant.html and has been retrieved as of October 27, 2022.