Chapter I

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

In 2019, bacterial infections ranked as the second most prevalent cause of

mortality on a global scale, contributing to one out of every eight deaths. These

pathogens were linked to 7.7 million deaths, constituting 13.6% of the total global

mortality for that year, just prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This

positioning marked bacterial infections as the second leading cause of death,

following closely behind ischemic heart disease, encompassing conditions like

heart attacks (France-Presse, 2022).

Over 6 million fatalities were linked to three specific bacterial infectious

conditions. Among these, lower respiratory infections and bloodstream infections

individually accounted for over 2 million deaths, while peritoneal and intra-

abdominal infections contributed to more than 1 million fatalities (Ikuta et al., 2022).

The most widespread bacterial bloodstream infection found in South Asia is

enteric fever, commonly known as typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella enterica

serovars Typhi and Paratyphi A. Despite advancements in the management of this

condition in other parts of the world, it continues to exert a significant burden on

public health in South Asia. Approximations indicate that it manifests at a

frequency exceeding 100 cases for every 100,000 individuals (Parry et al., 2019).
 The Department of Health (DOH) in Manila, Philippines, has observed a

surge in typhoid cases commencing in January. As per the most recent disease

surveillance data, spanning from January 1 to March 18, the DOH has documented

3,285 instances of typhoid. This marks a 101% escalation in comparison to the

1,633 cases reported during the corresponding period in the preceding year. The

highest number of cases was reported within the Cordillera Administrative Region

(609 cases), followed by Mimaropa (327 cases) and Northern Mindanao (423

cases) (Villanueva, 2023).

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, commonly known as S Typhi, causes

typhoid, a disease that causes more than 11 million cases and more than 100,000

deaths each year. While South Asia bears the heaviest burden with 70% of global

infections, other regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and

Oceania are also experiencing significant levels of illness and death from this

pathogen (Kesia et al., 2022).

Furthermore, Thick Stemmed Wood Fern (Dryopteris crassirhizoma) has

been employed as a traditional herbal remedy in Korea, Japan, and China to

address a range of ailments, including tapeworm infection, the common cold, and

cancer. The plant exhibits notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial

properties. Nevertheless, the precise anti-allergic and inflammatory impact of this

plant, along with its mechanisms in an allergic rhinitis model, remain less

understood (Piao et al., 2019).

 While the majority of antimicrobial resistance patterns have exhibited

consistency over the previous four years, there has been a noteworthy increase of

at least 15 percent in cases of bloodstream infections caused by resistant strains

of E. coli, Salmonella, and Gonorrhoea when compared to the rates observed in

2017 (World Health Organization, 2022). Hence, the researchers are keen on

exploring the potential of Thick Stemmed Wood Fern (Dryopteris crassirhizoma)

as a potent broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. This investigation aims to

determine if this fern could be an effective means to combat Salmonella typhi and

Escherichia coli, bacteria strains that pose a threat to human health.

Statement of the Problem

The study will determine the Antibacterial Property and Phytochemical

Characterization of Thick Stemmed Wood Fern (Dryopteris crassirhizoma).

Specifically, this study will answer the following question:

1. Can Thick Stemmed Wood Fern (D. crassirhizoma) ethanolic extract inhibit the

growth of S. typhi and E. coli after 24 and 48 hours of incubation?

2. What are the phytochemical constituents present in Thick Stemmed Wood Fern

(D. crassirhizoma) and how do they contribute to its antibacterial potential?

1.1 Alkaloids 1.2 Caretonoids 1.3 Flavonoids 1.4 Phytosterols

1.5 Saponins 1.6 Tannins 1.7 Terpenoids

Scope and Delimitation

The study focused on the Antibacterial Potential and Phytochemical

Characterization of Thick Stemmed Wood Fern (Dryopteris crassirhizoma). The

fresh leaves of Wood Fern (D. crassirhizoma) will be collected in Purok Pag-asa,

Upper Matin-ao, Silway 8, South Cotabato. This study will specifically investigate

the antibacterial potential of the leaf extracts of Thick Stemmed Wood Ferns (D.

crassirhizoma). It will analyze the phytochemical composition of the extracts and

evaluate their antibacterial potential against specific bacterial strains, Salmonella

typhi and Escherichia coli. The study will be conducted on February 2024, using

laboratory experiments at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University Med-Tech-

Pharma Laboratory, General Santos City.

Significance of the Study

The study determined the Antibacterial Potential and Phytochemical

Characterization of Thick Stemmed Wood Fern (D. crassirhizoma) and has

significance of the following:

To the Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines, this study may be

use as the foundation of the advocacy to prioritize the use of medicinal herbs found

in the community in promoting and improving the quality of Filipinos’ lives.

To the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this study may serve as

guide to ensure the quality, effectiveness, and safety of using Thick Stemmed

Wood Fern (D. crassirhizoma) containing antibacterial properties in food and drug

production.
 To the SIlway-8 National High School, this study may serve as additional

information on the effectiveness of Thick Stemmed Wood Fern (D. crassirhizoma)

against the growth of Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. In addition, it may help

teachers in educating students about the medicinal properties of the plant.

To the Researchers, this study might give them fresh perspectives and

information on how to handle bacterial infections, while also enhancing their ability

to gather and analyze data in the lab.

To the Future Researchers, this study might aid in enhancing their

understanding of its medicinal properties. It might also be a useful information for

them when they carry out their research.