Abstract

The aqueous and organic solvents extracts of Boscia angustifolia were screened for antibacterial and phytochemical properties. Alkaloids and saponins were detected in aqueous and chloroform extracts. These extract fractions were significantly (p<0.05) active against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pneumoniae but did not show activity against Salmonella typhi at concentrations ranging from 10 to 120 mg/ml. The hexane and petroleum ether extracts did not show activity on the bacterial organisms used. All the activities were compared with a standard drug, tetracycline. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (M.I.C.) of the aqueous and chloroform extracts was 20 and 10 mg/ml respectively. The results lend scientific credence to justify the use of this plant against some bacterial diseases.

Key words: Boscia angustifolia, antibacterial, in vitro screening