Phytochemical Analysis And Antimicrobial Properties Of Crude Extracts Of Vernonia Amygdalina Del. On Microbial Isolates Implicated In Tomato Paste Spoilage

ABSTRACT

It has been noted that, despite the use of plant extracts in ethno-medicine, African cuisines and recently in plant protection, that their phytochemical composition and active ingredients have not been fully documented (Okwu and Njoku, 2009). Corroborative studies estimated that only 4 -10% of the 250,000 plant species constricting  word boon mined decimally for antimicrobial activity (Pallant, 2010). A huge potential therefore exists in this regard especially in the tropical areas like Nigeria; with vast untapped rainforest, for these fungi-toxic plant species to be extensively examined chemically. Scientific analysis of plants it has been observed Follows a logical pathway beginning with a lead from the natives. Hence, Cowan (1999) reported further that initial aqueous and alcoholic screening of plants extracts for antimicrobial activities are followed by other organic extraction methods for determination of their phytochemical corn-positions.