Screening of Commiphora schimperi (O. Berg) from Iramba district in Tanzania for antibacterial activities

Abstract

Commiphora schimperi gum-resin from Iramba district, Tanzania was screened for in vitro antibacterial activities by disk diffusion method. The bacteria employed were Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative (Salmonella gallinarum and Escherichia coli). The results indicated that C. schimperi methanol and petroleum ether extracts were effective against S. aureus and B. subtilis. The methanol extract (200 mg/mL) caused complete zone of inhibition (17.6 ± 0.5 mm) against S. aureus while petroleum ether extract (200 mg/mL) caused a mean  inhibition zone of 12.3 ± 0.9 mm against B. subtilis. This preliminary  finding shows that C. schimperi gum-resin has antibacterial effects on some Gram positive bacteria and supports at least in part, the traditional knowledge of local users. Thus, C. schimperi gum-resin can be further subjected to phytochemical,  pharmacological and toxicological evaluation.

Keywords: antibacterial activity, Commiphora schimperi, crude extract