Effect of Drying Methods on the Antimicrobial properties of Cassia alata, Commelina diffusa and Borreria verticillata extracts

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of different drying methods (Sun dry; Shade dry, 40 0C Oven dry and 60 0C Oven dry respectively) on the antimicrobial activities of leaves extracts of Borreria verticillata, Cassia alata and Commelina diffusa. Using disc diffusion agar method, the antimicrobial assay of the methanol and aqueous extracts of each plant leaves at different drying methods were carried out. Results from the study revealed that drying methods affect the efficacy of the tested medicinal plants by influencing the quantity and quality of the bioactive constituents present in the plants. It was concluded from the study that aqueous methanolic crude leaves extract dried via shade-dry and 40 0C oven dry methods is most effective so, the used drying methods are suitable to employ for processing plants for use. This was proved as these (shade-dry and 40 0C) methods retained most of the bioactive constituents of the plants thereby inhibited the growth of the tested microbes.