ISSN 2169-303X
International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 9 (9), pp. 001-004, September, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Preliminary phytochemical and antimicrobial investigations of the stem bark and leaves of Psidum guajava L.
I. Elekwa*, S. C. Okereke and B. O. Ekpo
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.
Accepted 12 April, 2020
Abstract
Extracts (ethanol, methanol and aqueous) of the leaves and stem barks of Psidum guajava L were studied for their phytochemical constituents. Results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids (all the extracts), saponins (ethanol and methanol), cardenolides with steroided rings, and cardenolides with deoxy sugar (all the extracts). Thin layer chromatographic separation of ethanol and methanol extracts gave three spots each with Rf values ranging from 0.60 – 0.70. Only the aqueous extract inhibited Bacillus subtilis and Fusarium spp. The presence of these constituents tends to support the uses of this plant medicinally.
Key words: Alkaloid, cardenolides, extracts, saponin.