In Vitro Antimicrobial activity of the leaf extract of Kigelia Africana Lam. Benth (Bignoniaceae) formulated as shampoo

Abstract

The leaves of Kigelia africana Lam. Benth (Bignoniaceae) are used ethnomedically across Africa for the management of various infections. This study is aimed at formulating the crude extract of the leaves as shampoo for possible use in the management of skin infections. Chemical and chromatographic tests were carried out. Inhibitory activity of the crude ethanol extract and the shampoo formulation against clinical strains of the following bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and fungi namely, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger were compared with ciprofloxacin and griseofulvin. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. Chromatographic fingerprints to aid identification of the plant were established. The crude ethanol extract and shampoo formulation inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. aureus, Escherichia coli, K. pneumonia and Candida albicans to varying extents. The ethanol extract from the leaves of Kigelia Africana Lam. Benth can be formulated into a shampoo dosage form for possible use in the management of skin infections such as solar keratosis, skin cancer and kaposi sarcoma.

Keywords: Kigelia africana, antimicrobial, formulation, shampoo

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences, Vol. 9 No. 2 (2012)