Saudi Journal of Pathology and Microbiology (SJPM)
Volume-2 | Issue-06 | 192-196
Original Research Article
Phytochemical Screening, Mineral Content Analysis and Assessment of Antibacterial Activity of Methanol Extract of Newbouldia laevis Leaf
Salemcity Aanuoluwa James, Awe Sunday, Achem Jonah, Akor Palmer Ojonugwa, Abuh Ojima Victoria
Published : June 28, 2017
Abstract
This study dealt with the assessment of the phytochemicals, antibacterial and mineral analysis of methanol
extract of leaf Newbouldia laevis and its fractions (hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate). Quantitative phytochemical
screenings were done by various standard laboratory methods. Quantitative phytochemical screening was carried out
using spectrophotometry method while mineral analysis was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometric
method. Antibacterial activity was investigated using agar well diffusion method. The result obtained from the
phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, oxalate, tannin, saponin among others. The
antibacterial activity of Newbouldia laevis leaf extracts was tested on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
Klebsiellia pneumonia, and Streptococcus pneumonia. Antibacterial effect of Newbouldia laevis leaf showed that only nhexane fraction was capable of inhibiting all microorganisms used except Staphylococcus aureus in concentration
dependent manner. Chloroform fraction was found to inhibit only E.coli at higher concentration (100-150 mg/ml) as
indicated in the zone of inhibition, while it has no effect on other bacteria. Methanol extract showed inhibition activity
only on S. aureus at 100-150 mg/ml. All the microorganisms showed resistance to the aqueous fraction of Newbouldia
laevis leaf. Mineral analysis revealed the presence of Zn, Co, Cd, Cu, Ca, Fe and Mn. These results could suggest the
promising chemopreventive use of Newbouldia laevis and some of its active principles in the treatment of infections.