Bactericidal studies of saponins from the stem-bark of Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. and Schult

Abstract

Phtyochemical screening of methanolic Stem-bark extracts of Adenium obesum indicated the presence of saponins. Consequently, the saponins were extracted using standard procedures. The saponin extract was examined for in vitro antibacterial activity using disc diffusion technique. Activity against five bacterial strains (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria) was tested. The extract was active against all assayed bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 15380 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 14028 but excepting Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633) with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.5 to 5 mg/ml. This result shows that the stem-bark of Adenium obesum could produce saponins that might be utilized for the development of antibacterial drugs.

Keywords: Bactericidal; Saponins; Stem-bark; Adenium obesum; Disc diffusion