Abstract

The comparative studies of extracts of leaves, barks and roots of Nauclea latifolia and Daniella oliveri with respect to their phytochemical and antibacterial properties was carried out. Preliminary screening for phytochemical components showed that both plants had similar constituents, namely tannins, alkaloids and glycosides, but variable proportions of saponins. The antibacterial screening of the water and ethanolic extracts of the various plant materials were carried out against pathogenic bacteria includingPseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiealla pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella dysenteriae. Ethanolic extracts were more potent than aqueous extracts and activity were concentration dependent. The Gram positive bacteria were more sensitive to the ethanolic extracts of both plants.

Key words: Nauclea latifolia, Daniella oliveri, phytochemical, antibacterial properties, gram positive bacteria.