Antibacterial Effect of <i>Acacia Nilotica</i> and <i>Acacia Senegalensis</i> Fruit Extracts on <i>Escherichia Coli</i> and <i>Salmonella Typhi</i>

Abstract

Acacia nilotica and Acacia senegalensis are plants native to the Sudan and Sahelian region, widely spread in northern parts of Nigeria. It has been mentioned in plants used in folk medicine to be effective against a variety of diseases affecting man. The acetone extracts of the Acacia nilotica and Acacia senegalensis fruits was tested against two human bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhi) using well diffusion method, MIC and MBC tests. The results revealed that the extract exhibited a broader spectrum of antibacterial activity and revealed potent bactericidal effect at low concentration of 25mg/ml and bacteriostatic at lower concentrations (as low as 12.5 mg/ml). In general, all tested bacteria were susceptible, however supporting the traditional medical application and suggest it as a source for new antibacterial drugs.

Keywords: Acacia Spp, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhi, MIC, MBC tests, Bacteriostatic