Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity and of the aqueous extracts of the leaves and aerial stem of Anchomanes difformis (Araceae)

Abstract

The Nigeria climate favours a vast array of plants with diverse biological activities some of which have been used ethnomedicinally for many years. In this study, preliminary phytochemical studies on the aqueous leaf and aerial stem extracts of Achomanes diffomis were carried out, followed by evaluation of their in vitro antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method against bacterial organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, at concentrations of 100 to 500 mg/ml. The susceptibility of the bacteria in the extract was compared with a standard antibiotic, ciprofloxacin at a concentration of 10 μg/ml. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like flavonoids, tannins and saponins. The extract demonstrated moderate activity against the tested bacterial organisms as compared to the standard antibiotic. The results of this study support the use of this plant, Anchomanes difformis in the treatment of infections in humans and animals and emphasizes the need for ethnomedicinal approach as a potential source of new bioactive molecules.

Keywords:  Anchomanes difformis, Antibacterial activity, phytochemical analysis, Agar well diffusion