Abstract
Stem and root barks of Diospyrus monbuttensi. Gurke are used in ethnomedicine for their antimicrobial activity. But only studies on the leaves and seeds are documented. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of root and stem barks of D. monbuttensis were evaluated against four reference bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa) and two reference fungi (A. niger and C. albicans). Gentamicin and tioconzole were used as control. Extraction was carried out using solvents of different polarities such as, petroleum spirit, chloroform, methanol and water. The parameters evaluated include phytochemical constituents, extraction yields and antimicrobial activity using seeded plate method. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, anthraquinones, glycosides and alkaloids while tannins was absent. The yield showed that methanolic and aqueous extracts were highest at 9-11%, and there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the percentage yields from the stem and root barks. The zones of inhibition obtained indicate that methanolic extracts had the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus at 25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml against Psuedomonas aeruginosa and 100 mg/ml against Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis while the petroleum spirit and chloroform extracts had antifungal activity at 100 mg/ml. The crude extract of D. monbuttensis stem and root barks can be used for treatment of infections by susceptible organisms.
Highlights
Diospyros is one of the seven genera of the family Ebenaceae and is probably the only representative of this family in Nigeria
Preparation of Plant material: Root and stem barks of Diospyros monbuttensis were collected from University of Ibadan Botanical garden
Phytochemical screening showed presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and antraquinones while tannins was absent in the powdered stem and root barks of D. monbuttensis
Summary
Diospyros is one of the seven genera of the family Ebenaceae and is probably the only representative of this family in Nigeria. They are forest trees with hard, heavy, strong and elastic wood. Research Article species in Africa most of which are found in Nigeria(2). They are commonly used as chewing sticks. Diospyros monbuttensis leaves have been reported to possess antibacterial properties(5, 6, 7). Aqueous and alcoholic extracts from the leaves of Diospyros bateri and D. monbuttensis were found to have strong antibacterial activity(2), but no report on the root and stem barks have been documented. This work is to study the antimicrobial properties of the root and stem barks which are in use in herbal medical practice in Africa(5)
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