ABSTRACT

The antibacterial activities of ethanol extracts of the leaves of Ficusexasperata and Alchornealaxiflora were investigated against four bacterial pathogens using the agar dilution method. The extracts were obtained by maceration of powdered dry leaves in ethanol for 24h. The four bacterial pathogens used were Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Entreococcusfaecalis ATCC 7080 and Salmonella typhi. The study showed that ethanol extract of the leaves of Ficusexasperatainhibited the growth of S. aureus, E. coli and E. faecalis at concentrations of 10,000mg/ml and 5,000mg/ml. the extracts of Alchornealaxiflora had antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus atconcentrations of 10,000mg/ml. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of FicusexasperataaginstE. faecalis were 5,000µg/ml and 10,000µg/ml, respectively. The MIC and MBC values against E. coli were 3,000µg/ml and 4,000µg/ml respectively. The extracts of Alchornealaxiflora were less active, with MIC and MBC values against E. faecalis were 6,000µg/ml and 10,000µg/ml,respectively. The qualitative phytochemical Screening showed the presence of Terpenoids, Flavonoids andsaponins in Ficusexasperata and the presence of Flavonoids, Saponins and Tannis in Alchornealaxiflora. The work has shown that the ethanol extract of these medicinal plants possess antibacterial activity which could be due to the phytochemicals present in the leaves. These findings support the use of these medicinal plants in traditional medical practice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

Table of Contents v

List of Tables ix

Abstract x

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Aims and Objectives 3

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 

2.1 Medicinal Plants 4

2.2 Phytochemicals 4

2.2.1Alkaloids 5

2.2.2 Phenols 6

2.2.3 Tannins 6

2.3 Medicinal use of Alchornealaxiflora 6

2.4Hepatoprotective activity and flavonoids of Alchornealaxifloraleaf extract 7

2.5 Ficusexasperata 10

2.5.1 Traditional uses of Ficusexasperata 11

2.5.2 Medicinal uses of ficusexasperata 11

CHAPTER THREE:MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Collection of Plant Materials 14

3.2 Preparation of the Leaf Extract 14

3.3 Ethanol Extract Preparation 14

3.4 MEDIA 14

3.4.1 Media Used 14

3.4.2 Preparation of Media 15

3.4.3 Preparation of Stock Solution of Extract 15

3.5 Agar Solution Susceptibility Testing 15

3.6 Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration 17

3.7 Phytochemical Screening 18

3.7.1 Test for Tannis 18

3.7.2 Test for Saponin 18

3.7.3 Test for Flavonoid 18

3.7.4 Test for Terpenoids 18

CHAPTER FOUR:RESULTS 19

CHAPTER FIVE:DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Discussion 24

5.2 Conclusion 25

5.3 Recommendation 25

REFERENCE