Abstract

The antimicrobial activity of the acetone and methanol extracts of the leaves ofOchna schweinfurthiana F. Hoffm. (Ochnaceae) obtained through maceration was evaluated using disc diffusion and Nutrient broth dilution techniques. The microorganisms tested were: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 021001, Bacillus subtilis NCTC 8236, Escherichia coli NCTC 10418, Salmonella typhi ATCC19430,Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 10031, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 6750,Candida albicans ATCC 10231; local hospital isolates: Streptococcus pyogenes,Corynebacterium ulcerans, Neisseria gonorrhoea and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Susceptibility test results showed that both extracts (600 μg/disc) inhibited growth with a mean zone of inhibition range of 15 - 21 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, S. typhi, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa; no activity was however observed against methicillin resistant S. aureus, N. gonorrhea, C. ulcerans, B. subtilis, E. coli and the only fungus, C. albicans. Sparfloxacin (100 μg/disc) a standard antibiotic inhibited the growth of all the organisms tested with the exception of C. albicans. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins and steroids/terpenes. The results suggest that the plant contains bioactive constituent(s) with modest antimicrobial activity and validates the ethno-medical use in wound dressing and other forms of bacterial infections.

Key words: Antimicrobial, Ochna schweinfurthiana leaves extract, preliminary phytochemical.