Abstract

Sarcocephalus latifolia is a widely used medicinal plant in West African ethnomedicine. This study evaluated the antimicrobial potential and chemical constituents of methanol stem extract fractions against three oral pathogens: Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Lactobacillus casei. Extracts were fractionated through column chromatography and subjected to quantitative physicochemical analysis and agar well diffusion assays against the three oral pathogens. Six (6) key phytochemicals, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, and alkaloids were analysed. Terpenoid and flavonoids revealed the highest phytochemical (65.63; 12.72 mg/100g), respectively. All fractions showed concentration-dependent antibacterial activity. FA95 and FA24 (What are their identities?) had the most significant zones of inhibition, particularly against S. mutans  34.5 ± 0.00 mm and 27.5 ± 0.00 mm, respectively, at 100 mg/ml. The GC-MS analysis identified diverse phytochemicals with established antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Among 19 bioactive compounds detected, Octadecanoic acid, Dimethyl sebacate, and Normelicopicine were the most prominent, with proven pharmacological relevance. FA95 and FA24 fractions exhibited strong dose-dependent inhibition against S. mutans and S. aureus, with zones of inhibition comparable to chloramphenicol. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of Sarcocephalus latifolia as an alternative oral antimicrobial agent.