Phytochemical and antibacterial activity of stem bark extract of Cordia africana Lam.

Abstract

Traditional African medicine treats microbiological infections with Cordia africana. The maceration method was used to extract powder samples in stages using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. The presence of carbohydrates, anthraquinones, phenols, proteins, amino acids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and triterpenoids/steroids were tested in the extracts by conventional phytochemical screening. The study provides evidence-based support for the use of Cordia africana by healers in the treatment of microbial diseases and has the potential to be used in medicine.