Antibacterial and antifungal activity and Bone healing Potency of methanol extract of <i>Cissus arguta</i> Hook F

Abstract

The study was carried out to verify claims for the use of Cissus arguta in the treatment of bone fracture by some bone healing homes in Southern Nigeria. The possible antibacterial, antifungal and bone healing properties by estimation of blood serum calcium levels of Cissus arguta were carried out. The plant parts of C. arguta were extracted using 80% methanol. The extracts were analyzed for phytochemicals, bone healing potency using estimation of blood serum calcium level and also tested for antimicrobial activity using agar well diffusion and serial dilution method respectively.The extract showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids and eugenols. It also showed positive serum calcium level test which indicates its ability to accelerate bone-fracture healing. The extracts exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtillis, Enterococcus feacalis, Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter species, Proteus mirabilis, Aspergillus flarus, Candida albizans, Microsporuim camb, Tenea pedis and Trichophyton; most of which have been implicated in wound infections. Both the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the extract was significantly higher when compared to standard antimicrobial drugs such as ciprofloxacin-antibacterial and fluconazole -antifungal. This study therefore serves to justify its use for bone healing