The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a major challenge to the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, particularly in resource-limited countries. Medicinal plants represent a valuable source of alternative antimicrobial agents. This study investigated the bioactivity of ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of Combretum aculeatum leaves, focusing on their phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and antibacterial activity against clinical MRSA isolates. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponosides, quinonic derivatives, mucilage, and reducing compounds. Quantitative analyses showed comparable total phenolic and condensed tannin contents between extracts, while flavonoids and hydrolysable tannins were significantly higher in the ethanolic extract. Antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH radical scavenging and phosphomolybdenum reduction assays demonstrated substantial and comparable reducing capacities for both extracts. Antibacterial evaluation using the agar disk diffusion method showed that both extracts inhibited the growth of fifty-four clinical MRSA isolates from wounds, pus, abscesses, and boils. Principal component analysis highlighted relationships between strain susceptibility, extract type, and clinical origin. Overall, C. aculeatum leaf extracts exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-MRSA activities, supporting their traditional use and their potential as sources of bioactive compounds for managing resistant infections.
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