Phytochemical screening and anti-microbial activities of the leaf, stem bark and root extracts of <i>Combretum sokodense</i>

Abstract

The phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of the leaf, stem bark and root of Combretum sokodense were examined in this research work. The phytochemical screening of the plant reveals the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, antraquinone, carbohydrates and reducing sugar. The leaf, stem bark and roots extract also show antimicrobial activities. The antimicrobial activities of the plants extracts revealed an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Mucorsppat different concentrations. The methanolic extract of the leaf showed the highest level of inhibition on Escherichia coli while Mucor species showed highest level of inhibition on ethanolic extracts. The ethanolic extracts of the stem bark showed the highest level of inhibition on Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger while the methanolic extract showed less response. Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger showed highest level of inhibition on the root of Combretum sokodense. The antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal isolates may be attributed to the presence of these secondary metabolites. Therefore, Combretum sokodense is found to be a potential source of drugs for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections.

Keywords: Combretum sokodense, Extract, Phytochemicals, Antimicrobial Activities, Traditional Medicine