Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Phyllanthus niruri</italic> L. is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine in Mozambique, yet its comparative antimicrobial spectrum remains to be fully elucidated through scientific research. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of the crude leaf extract of <italic>P. niruri</italic> L. collected in Nampula, Mozambique. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed to identify secondary metabolites. Antimicrobial potential was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) via the broth microdilution method, with 0.5% triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) as a metabolic indicator. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, while alkaloids and saponins were absent. The crude leaf extract of <italic>P. niruri</italic> L. demonstrated high potency against <italic>Staphylococcus aureus</italic> and <italic>Candida albicans</italic> , both yielding an MIC of 12.5 mg/mL. In the disk diffusion assay, a plateau effect was observed for <italic>Staphylococcus aureus</italic> (P=0.587), whereas <italic>Candida albicans</italic> exhibited a robust dose-dependent response (P < 0.001). Notably, at concentrations <bold>≥</bold> 25 mg/mL, the crude leaf extract of <italic>P. niruri</italic> L. outperformed the clinical standard Fluconazole against the yeast. <italic>Escherichia coli</italic> exhibited significant resistance (MIC <bold>></bold> 100 mg/mL). The <italic>P. niruri</italic> L. extract possesses selective antimicrobial properties, standing out as a potent natural antifungal agent. These findings validate its ethnomedicinal use and offer a promising alternative to address antimicrobial resistance. </p>