Phytochemical Screening and in Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Waltheria Indica Linn Leaf Extracts

摘要

The plant, Waltherica indica Linn is known to possess medicinal properties according to African folklore. Scientific verification of its bioactive constituents backing its use for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections is limited. This study aimed at evaluating the phytochemical compounds present in the crude leaf extracts as well as identify their pathogen-specific antagonistic activities. The results obtained revealed that alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, phenolic acids, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids were present in the extracts. The results also revealed that the zones of inhibition from the acidic, basic, neutral polar and non-polar fractions ranged between 24-28mm against the organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus pyrogens, Klebsciella pneumonia, and Candida krusei). The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) of the crude, acidic, basic, neutral polar and non-polar fractions of the leaf was recorded at 2.5mg/ml and 0.5mg/ml respectively. The results obtained suggested that the leaf of the studied plant possess strong antimicrobial activities against selected bacterial and fungal species with direct correlation to the actions of their phytoconstituents.