PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF THE ROOT BARK OF Securidaca longipedunculata EXTRACTS.

Abstract

Background: In tropical Nigeria, plant parts (the leaves, fruits, flowers, stem barks, root barks and root sticks) are believed to possess phytochemical that are capable of healing diverse ailments. Objectives: Phytochemical screening and anti-bacteria efficacy of the root bark of Securidaca longipedunculata was evaluated in five different solvent extracts. Methods: Solvent extracts of the root bark of Securidaca longipedunculata were prepared with hexane (HE), petroleum ether (ET), methanol (ME), ethanol (ET), and water (AQ). Phytochemical screening was conducted on the extracts, and the efficacies of the extracts were tested on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans using agar well diffusion (AWD) technique. Results: Phytochemical analysis of the root bark showed the presence of saponins, terpenoids, tannis and alkaloids. It was observed that the Hexane (HE) extract of the root bark was effective on only Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 133 mg/ml. The ethanol (ET) extract of the root bark was effective on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans at a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 80 mg/ml. Conclusion: phytochemical examination of the root bark of Securidaca longipedunculatarevealed presence of some bioactive compounds. The hexane andethanol extracts produced considerable antimicrobial effects.