The Efficacy Of Extracts From Four Oilseeds And An Oil Fruit As Agents Against Pathogenic Microbes In Comparison With Known Antibiotics

Abstract

The antimicrobial action of extracts with known phytochemicals from 4 oil seeds (Irvingia gabonensis, Brachystegia eurycoma, Mucuna sloani and Ricinus communis and an oil fruit (Piper guineense) on selected bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and a fungus – Aspergillus flavus was investigated and compared with known antibiotics (Chloramphenicol and Nystatin). Ethanolic extract of P. guineense at 30% and 50% concentration showed more potency than chloramphenicol when they were tested on the bacterium S. aureus. Ethanolic extract of B. eurychoma and aqueous extracts of I. gabonensis and M. solani when tested on Aspergillus flavus showed more potency than Nystatin. For E.coli, Chloramphenicol showed more potency than all the extracts at their various levels of concentrations. It is therefore recommended that B. eurychoma, I. gabonensis and M. solani be used in the production of drugs for diseases caused by Aspergillus flavus. It is also recommended that ethanolic extract of P. guineense be used in production of drugs that can be used against staphylococcal infections. This is because, they are potent, cheaper to get and readily available. Results were based on the different zones of inhibition.

Keywords: extracts, oilseeds, pathogenic microbes, antibiotics

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol. 4 (2) 2006: pp. 119-125