The antimicrobial activity of the stem-bark and leaf of Parkia clappertoniana Keay family Leguminosae against selected microorganisms

Abstract

In this work, the antimicrobial activity of the stem bark and leaves of Parkia clappertoniana Keay was investigated. The activity of the crude extract was tested on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A comparative study of the effects of the methanolic and aqueous extracts revealed that the methanolic extract was more potent. The screening also revealed that both the stem bark and leaves of P. clappertoniana were effective against all test organisms. The activity was however more pronounced on Gram-positive organisms with Staphylococcus aureus being more susceptible and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being most resistant. Since the traditional herbalist claims that the plant cures diarrhoea and dysentery and if the disease condition is caused by bacteria, then it can be concluded that his claims might be true based on the results obtained.

Key words: Parkia clappertoniana; antimicrobial activity; Gram-positive bacteria; Gram-negative bacteria

Nig. J. Pharm. Res. 3(1) 2004: 16-22