Qualitative phytochemicals screening and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of coconut oil extract on some selected bacteria and fungi

Abstract

Focuses on its high values, coconut product; nutritional and health benefits have currently been attributed to its intake, antioxidant and anticancer properties. This research study is aimed at evaluating the phytochemical content of coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil and determines the susceptibility pattern against some selected microbes. The findings revealed that it contained phytochemicals; alkaloid, glycosides, resins, saponins, tannins and terpenoid. Subjected to susceptibility testing on some bacterial and fungal; agar diffusion method was being applied and inhibition zones which indicated its antimicrobial properties. Assay of antibacterial activity of standard bacteria organisms showed that Staphyloccus aureus had the highest susceptibility to coconut oil while Pseudomonas aeroginosa had the least, Candida albicans had a higher susceptibility to coconut oil more than Aspergillus fumigatus in antifungal testing. This was concluded from their average zones of inhibition; 14.55mm (32%) for Staphylococcus aureus, 12.1 mm (27%) for Streptococcus pneumonia, 10.95 mm (24%) for Escherichia coli and 7.7 mm (17%) for Pseudomonas aeroginosa. And for the fungal are 18.5mm (55%) for Candida albicans and 15.1mm (45%) for Aspergillus fumigatus. The utilization of coconut oil should be promoted as a functional food in Nigeria and the use of coconut seed flesh in our diets should be encouraged for health supporting functions and considered to be responsible for the many benefits attributed to its consumption.