Phytochemical properties of some solvent fractions of petroleum ether extract of the African mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) leaves and their antimicrobial activity

摘要

The leaves of the African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus?Linn) on?Kola acuminata?in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria were studied. The chloroform (A), ethyl acetate (B) and ethyl acetate residue (C) fractions of crude petroleum ether extract of?L. micranthus?Linn were subjected to phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluation. Results reveal the presence of protein in fraction C, whereas flavonoids, steroids and terpenes were present in all the fractions, but in a low quantity. Fractions A and B had high, while fraction C had moderate quantity of tannins. However, high quantity of resins was present in?fraction?C followed by?fraction?A. Fraction B showed the highest susceptibility (25) to?Bacillus subtilis, and was active against the fungus,?Candida albicans, suggesting its higher potency and fungistatic potential. Apart from?Klebsiellaspp.,?the other organisms were not susceptible to fraction A, apparently owing to high resins but no protein content. Fraction C was active against the highest number of organisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B. subtilis and Klebsiella?spp.).?In all, this study suggests that A, B and C fractions of crude petroleum ether leaf extract of?L. micranthus?Linn is parasitic on?K. acuminate, may serve as source for compounds with therapeutic potentials. However, the fractionating solvents used in this study may not be?the?preferred choice for fractionating the active principles of?L. micranthus?Linn. Interestingly, the possible fungistatic potential of?L. micranthus?Linn parasitic on?K. acuminata?as observed in fraction B may be exploited in the design and development of fungistatic drug.