Antimicrobial Activities of Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts of Blighia sapida

Antimicrobial investigation of the leaf and stem bark extracts of Bligha sapida was carried out against pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae) and fungi (Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus). The two extracts did not exert antifungal effect on any of the tested fungal species, at the concentrations used in this study, but exhibited activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis but not against Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of 12.5 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml were obtained for the stem bark extract assayed against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. With the same extract, minimum bactericidal concentrations of 25 and >100 mg/ml were obtained for Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids in both extracts. Alkaloids, tannins, phlobatannins and terpenes were also detected in the leaves. Results obtained, explains why parts of this plant are used traditionally for the treatment of various infections.