EVALUATION OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF THE FRACTIONATED METHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF DIOSPYROS PRUESSII GURKE.

Abstract

The methanolic leaf extract of D. pruessii with documented ethnomedicinal applications was fractionated in different solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water) and subjected to phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity against some disease-causing microorganisms including gram-positive and gram-negative (Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella spp, and Escherichia coli). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Alkaloids, saponins, saponin glycosides, Tannins, hydrolyzable Tannins, steroids and triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, and volatile oils. Each fraction of the extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against all the organisms tested. MIC values of each fraction revealed strong inhibition against all the organisms tested. The methanolic leaf extract of D. Pruessii in chloroform, water, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and n-butanol showed the following values: Staphylococcus A. 12.5, 25, 50, 12.5, and 12.5. E.coli 12.5, 50, 100, 50 and 100. Salmonella spp 25, 12.5, 50, 50, and 3.125, respectively. The antimicrobial tests were carried out in triplicates, and the data obtained were subjected to one-way ANOVA using a statistical package for social science (SPSS). This study shows that these plants' extract possesses antimicrobial properties that can be used as alternatives to conventional antibiotics.