Antibacterial activity of extracts of <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> on bacteria associated with diarrhoea

Abstract

The antibacterial potential of cold water, hot water (100^oC), ethanol and chloroform extracts of Ocimum gratisssimum leaves were tested against some pathogenic bacteria known to cause diaorrhoea; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella sp. and Salmonella sp. Cold water and chloroform extracts did not show any effect on the test organisms. Only ethanol extract and hot water (100^oC) extracts had inhibitory effects on the test organisms. All the test organisms were susceptible to ethanol extract with zones of inhibition which ranged from 6mm - 11mm and
minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 30 - 60mg/ml. The test organisms were also susceptible to hot water extract with zones of inhibition ranging from 5mm - 10mm and minimum inhibitory concentration of range 25 - 70mg/ml. Due to the antimicrobial activity of Ocimum gratisssimum, it is therefore conceivable that it should be used to treat cases of diarrhea caused by the test organisms.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, Antimicrobial activity, extracts, Diarrhoea, Bacteria