ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 5 (7), pp. 001-008, July, 2016. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities of Euphorbia balsamifera leaves, stems and root against some pathogenic microorganisms
A.S. Kamba1* and L. G. Hassan2
1Department of Chemistry, Institute for Quran and General Studies, Sokoto, Nigeria.
2Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
Accepted 21 September, 2015
Abstract
Plants and plant-based products are the bases of many of the modern pharmaceuticals we use today for various ailments. The objective of the study is to determine the bioactive chemical constituents and to evaluate extracts of Euphorbia balsamifera leaves, stem and root for in vitro antimicrobial activities by seagar dilution method. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts of the plant parts revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, steroid, terpenoid, flavonoids, cardic glycosides and balsam (gum). The extract of E. balsamifera leaves, stem and roots were mostly effective against the Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) revealed four, three and two spots for ethanol, petroleum ether and chloroform extracts respectively using ethyl acetate: hexane solvent mixture. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the crude extracts were determined for the various organisms which ranged between 5.0 and 6.0 mg/ml while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranged between 4.5 and 6.0 mg/ml. E. balsamifera could be a potential source of antimicrobial agents.
Key words: Euphorbia balsamifera, phytochemical screening, plant extracts and zone of inhibitions.