Antimicrobial Activities of the Leaf Extracts of Ficus sycomorus Linn. on Helicobacter pylori and Citrobacter freundii
J. O. Ihuma
*
Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University, P.M.B. 005, Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
A. Z. Koggie
Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University, P.M.B. 005, Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
T. I. Famojuro
Department of Pharmacognosy, Bingham University, P.M.B. 005, Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
L. O. Ugboji
Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University, P.M.B. 005, Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
T. D. Malgwi
Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial activities of Ficus sycomorus leave extract on selected bacteria. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids, it also revealed the absence of glycoside.
Place and Duration of Study: Microbiology laboratory, Biological Sciences Department, Bingham University Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Methodology: Plant extracts were prepared by boiling, soaking and methanol extraction. 96-well plates dilution method for determination of Minimum Inhibition Concentraction (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were carried out.
Results: The MBC for Helicobacter pylori and Citrobacter freundii showed antimicrobial activities at 400 µl each. The plant has exhibited strong antimicrobial activity on Helicobacter pylori and Citrobacter freundii.
Conclusion: The antimicrobial compounds produced by plant extracts are active against bacteria. It is expected that plant extracts showing target sites other than those used by antibiotics will be active against drug-resistant microorganisms.
Keywords: Medicinal plant, Ficus sycomorus, antimicrobialp, Helicobacter pylori, Citrobacter freundii