A study of chemical compounds and antimicrobial activities of Vernonia amygdanlina extract from different areas and the age of leaves as animals’ feed additives

Abstract

Herbal plants have been used as an alternative to replace the use of antibiotics in animal production. African leaves (Vernonia amygdalina) are herbal plants that have medicinal properties. This study was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the biochemical and antimicrobial compounds of African leaf extract as a phytogenic supplement in animal feed. African leaves (V. amygdalina) which grow massively in Aceh were extracted using 96% ethanol solvent in 1:3 ratio. There were 4 African leaf samples differentiated according to young and old leaves that grow in the highlands and lowlands used in this study. Biochemical compound testing was carried out using a qualitative phytochemical screening method and antimicrobial testing (Salmonella and Escherichia coli) using the Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion method using Salmonella enterica sv Typhimurium ATCC 14028 and E. coli ATCC 25922 bacteria with a Mc Farland standard of 0.5. Phytochemical test results show that African leaves contain alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids and phenolics. Meanwhile, the results of antimicrobial testing did not show inhibition against Salmonella and Escherichia coli bacteria. This research concluded that the extracted leaves of African plants had the potential to be administrated as a phytogenic additional feed.