Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of stem bark Extract of Alstonia Boonei Dewild (Apocynaceae)

Abstract

This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents and the antimicrobial properties of the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Alstonia boonei, a plant used for the treatment of wounds and urinary tract infections in Nigeria. Phytochemical screening was done using standard methods while the agar well diffusion method was used for antimicrobial evaluations. The extract exhibited antimicrobial activities with zones of inhibition ranging from 8.0 to 20.0 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of between 0.12 and 0.6 mgml^-1. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, saponins, tannins and alkaloids. The result thus provides a useful explanation for the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of wounds and urinary tract infections.

Keywords: Antimicrobial, Phytochemical, Alstonia boonei, Screening

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences, Vol. 9 No. 3 (2012)