PHYTOCHEMICAL AND SYNERGISTIC ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS OF <i>MORINDA</i> <i>LUCIDA</i>, <i>ANOGEISSUS</i> <i>LEIOCARPUS</i> AND <i>SARCOCEPHALUS</i> <i>LATIFOLIUS</i> LEAF EXTRACT

Abstract

Morinda lucida, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Sarcocephalus latifolius are reputable medicinal plants with long history of uses in the treatment of variety of diseases. A combination of the leaves of Morinda lucida, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Sarcocephalus latifolius prepared as a decoction is used in Nigeria as remedy for Lymphatic filariasis, including complicated cases with wounds or sores. Extracts of the leaves of Morinda lucida (ML), Anogeissus leiocarpus (AL), Sarcocephalus latifolius (SL) and a combination of the three plants (mixed) were obtained by decoction. The extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis using standard methods and high-performance liquid chromatography. The extracts were also evaluated singly and in combination for DPPH antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects against Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Klebsiella puemoniae, Bacillis subtillis, Candida albicans. Phytochemical analysis showed the plants contained saponins, terpenes, sterols, phenolics and tannins. The HPLC spectrum of Morinda lucida showed thirteen peaks with betulinic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin and ferulic acid predominating. The HPLC spectrum of Anogeissus leiocarpus showed major peaks being gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid. The HPLC spectrum of Sarcocephalus latifolius showed major peaks being betulinic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, rutin. The HPLC spectrum of the combination showed major peaks as betulinic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin. The three plant extracts and the combination therapy had carbohydrates, saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, and sterols. Anogeissus leiocarpus extract had the highest antimicrobial and antioxidant activities followed by the combination therapy.