Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of the Methanol Fractions of the Leaf of <i>Gmelina arborea</i> (Verbenaceae)

Abstract

Leaves of Gmelina arborea are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections without scientific validations. The main objective of the research was to carry out preliminary phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of the methanol fractions of the leaf of Gmelina arborea. The methanol leaf extract and its fractions were screened for phytochemical and antimicrobial activity using standard procedures. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, triterpenes and steroids. Highest zone of inhibition was observed in ethyl acetate fraction with (29mm) against some tested clinical pathogens compared to other fractions screened. MIC ranged between (6.25-12.5mg/ml) was observed in ethyl acetate. MBC of (12.5mg/ml) was observed in ethyl acetate fraction compared to other fractions screened. This study supports the folkloric claims for the use of the plant against some bacterial infections and can be exploited as alternative antimicrobial drug use for the treatment of infectious disease caused by these pathogens.