Application of n-hexane extract from muli banana (Musa acuminata Colla.) roots as an antibacterial and antiseptic agent

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to pose a severe threat to global health, driving the urgent need for novel, plant-derived antimicrobial agents. This study evaluated the antibacterial potential of the n-hexane extract of muli banana (Musa acuminata Colla.) roots against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) to determine its viability as an alternative natural antibiotic and topical antiseptic. Following maceration in n-hexane, the extract underwent phytochemical screening and antibacterial evaluation using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations ranging from 60% to 100%. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of lipophilic alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. The extract exhibited significant, dose-dependent antibacterial activity against both tested pathogens (p < 0.05). The highest efficacy was observed at the 100% concentration, which yielded maximum inhibition zones of 26.56 mm against E. coli and 17.49 mm against S. aureus. These findings suggest that the lipophilic secondary metabolites present in the muli banana root extract hold considerable promise as effective natural antimicrobial agents capable of targeting and disrupting complex bacterial cell membranes.