Microwave assisted extraction, phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluation of ethyl acetate extracts of stem bark of <i>Ficus exasperata</i> (Vahl)

Abstract

Stem bark of Ficus exasperata was extracted using ethyl acetate by microwave-assisted solvent extraction. Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial evaluation were carried out on the extract. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes and steroids. Antimicrobial evaluation revealed that the extract is active against Methicillin – resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Shigella dysenteriae, Candida stellatoidea and Candida tropicalis. The zones of inhibition (mm) for the test organisms were (24 - 31) mm. Minimum inhibition concentrations (mg/L) of extract against MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Shigella dysenteriae, Candida stellatoidea and Candida tropicalis were 2.5, 1.25,
1.25, 2.5, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25 and 2.5 respectively. Minimum bactericidal concentrations (mg/L) of extract against Methicillin – resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis Shigella dysenteriae Candida stellatoidea and Candida tropicalis were 5, 2.5, 2.5, 5, 5, 2.5,
2.5 and 5 respectively. The extract showed high inhibition against MRSA and Candida tropicalis.