Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic, Aqueous and Partially Purified Protein of Young and Matured Leaves of Guiera senegalensis (Moshi Medicine)

Background: Microorganisms have evolved defence mechanisms against antimicrobial agents and have become resistant to some antibiotics.

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of methanol as well as that of the aqueous and partially purified protein of young and matured leaves of Guiera senegalensis.

Study Duration: This study was conducted on 30th January, 2015 at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria.

Methodology: Antimicrobial activity was determined using disc diffusion and broth dilution techniques, Gel chromatography techniques were used to fractionate the crude protein.

Results: The Test isolates were Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Candida albicans. All the extracts were sensitive to most of the isolates except Candida albican (fungus).

The crude and partially purified proteins were active against the Gram positive bacteria. The maximum zone of inhibition (42.00±1.00 mm) was observed in the methanol extract of a young leaf against Staphylococcus aureus at 100 mg/ml. The methanol extracts exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at a range of 6.25 mg/ml and 12.5 mg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) at 12.5 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml. The young leaf was more active than the matured leaf. Quantitative phytochemicals showed high amounts of saponins (26.20% and 19.66%) in matured and young leaves respectively.

Conclusion: This research justifies the traditional claim of Guiera senegalensis leaves for therapeutic purposes. The leaves can be used to remedy diseases caused by bacterial agents.