Effect of Some Plant Extracts on the Microbial Spoilage of Cajanus Cajan

Abstract

The effect of ethanolic extracts of seven plant sources on the microbial spoilage of Cajanus cajan extract was investigated. The results showed that the extracts obtained from Aloe vera, bitter leaf, Gultiferae (garcinia or bitter kola), Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) and Zingiber officialae (ginger) were effective against spoilage of Cajanus cajan extract caused by Aspergilus orizone and Saccharmyces Sp. and inhibited the activities of these microorganisms at room temperature. However, the extracts from Dioscorea cayenensis (yellow yam) and Gongronema latifolium (utazi in Igbo) were ineffective against the microorganisms at the same temperature. 

Keywords: Cajanus cajan, plant extracts, microbial spoilage