Category Archives: Microbiology

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF GUAVA AND ORANGE

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF GUAVA (Pisdium guajava) AND ORANGE (Citrus sinensis) STEMS EXTRACT AGAINST Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans

ABSTRACT

This research was conducted to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of aqueous, methanol, ethanol of Pisdium guajava and Citrus x sinensis on the pathogenic Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. The Dimethyl sulfoxide was used for dissolving the plant extracts. Pisdium guajava showed antimicrobial activity against C. albicans with the exception of methanol showing no zone of inhibition to any of the isolates. The aqueous and methanol plant extract of Citrus x sinensis showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and C. albicans. Citrus x sinensis showed highest inhibition with MIC concentration of 0.256g/ml, 0.064g/ml, 0.032g/ml showed slight growth while concentration 0.016g/ml and 0.008g/ml showed heavy growth, there were scanty growths in the MBC and MFC plates.  Phytochemical screening, proximate, chromatographic analyses and the antimicrobial activities of tender stem of Psidium guajava and Citrus x sinesis, were carried out. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of all metabolites and compounds tested for such as flavonoids, tannins, reducing sugar, terpenes, saponins, anthraquinones and alkaloids. The antimicrobial screening of methanol extract showed activity against the tested organisms. The antimicrobial screening of ethanol and aqueous also showed activity against the tested organisms. The result indicated that the plants had a potential antimicrobial activity and was concentration dependent. The chromatographic analysis of the extracts showed presence of variety of compounds. This therefore, supports the traditional medical use of Psidium guajava and Citrus x sisnesis.

 

CHAPTER ONE

1.0     Introduction

Medicinal plants constitute an effective source of both traditional and modern medicine. These plants have been shown to have genuine utility and about 80% of the rural population depends on them as primary health care (Akinyemi, 2000). Plants have been used as sources of remedies for the treatment of many diseases since ancient times and people of all continents especially Africa have this old tradition. Infections caused by pathogenic bacteria and fungi remain an important public health concern particularly in developing countries because of factors such as: emergence of bacterial and fungal strains that are resistant to most useful antibiotics (Abad et al., 2007; WHO, 2007), HIV/AIDS pandemic (Wagate et al., 2008) and unavailability of vaccine (Assob et al., 2011). Conventional drugs are expensive and the western health facilities are also inaccessible to rural people (Matu and Staden, 2003; Wagete et al., 2008). Medicinal plants have been used since time immemorial to treat and prevent human ailments because they have components of therapeutic value (Hassan et al., 2006; Gulluce et al., 2006; Parekh and Chanda, 2007). Domesticated and non-domesticated animals in ordinary settings unconsciously treat themselves when sick by eating various parts of medicinal plants such as leaves, stems, barks and roots (Sindiga et al., 1995). They may also treat their skin conditions by briskly rubbing themselves against suitable plants with curative properties (Sindiga et al., 1995). WHO estimates that up to 80% of the world`s population relies on plants for their primary health care needs (Doughari, 2006; Turker and Usta, 2008; Verma et al., 2011). Such a large population depends on traditional medicine due to factors such as: Increase in resistance to the commonly used antibiotics, high cost and inaccessibility to antibiotics especially in rural areas. It is however noted that medicinal plants are readily available, they have little side effects and there is extensive local knowledge on herbal medicine amongst the communities (Rojas et al., 2006; Doughari et al., 2008). There are about 20,000 plant species used for medicinal purposes (Gulluce et al., 2006). From which at least 121 chemical substances are extracted (Olila et al., 2007). Some of the known good sources of pharmacologically active compounds are natural products from fungi and higher plants (Olila et al., 2001). Many of the effective drugs such as anti-malarial, anticancer, anti-diabetic and antibiotics such as atropine and ergometrine compounds have been purified from medicinal plants (Olila et al., 2001; Samie et al., 2005). Medicinal plants are also sources of many active ingredients in the pharmaceutical industries (Maundu and Tengnas, 2005). The popularity of plants medicine is increasing because of their biodegradability, least persistence and less toxic to non-target organisms, economic and easy availability. Guava plant (Psidium guajava) Linn.belonging to family Myrtaceae, a traditionally used plant because of its food and nutrition value. Guava is widely grown in tropical and many areas like India, Bangladesh, Florida, and West Indies. Different parts of the Psidium guajava are reported to be used in folk medicine. Various parts of the plant like root, bark, leaves and fruits are found to possess many pharmacological properties as it is used in the treatment of various disorders. Various evidences depict that the leaves and bark of P. guajava tree possess a long history of medicinal uses. The aqueous extract of guava leaves has been reported to be efficacious in the treatment of various types of gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhoea, inhibition of the peristaltic reflex and gastroenteritis. Moreover the whole plant is used as skin tonic and is employed in the treatment of female related disease like dysmenorrhoea, miscarriages, uterine bleeding and premature labour. Recent studies on the pharmacological properties of the bark, fruit and leaves depicts antibacterial, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, spasmolytic and central nervous system depressant activities. Bark tincture showed fungicidal activity at different concentrations but exhibit only fungistatic property in case of Candida albicans. Leaf extract of psidium guajava also reported for the anti-bacterial activity on staphylococcus aureus due to the protein degrading activity of the leaf extract. The aqueous extract was more potent in inhibiting the growth of E.coli, staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa than the organic extracts. The Gram negative bacteria were less susceptible to the effect of crude drugs. The genus Citrus belongs to the family of Rutaceae and is native tropical and subtropical areas in Southeast Asia. The citrus plants are grown worldwide and ranks top in production and trade among the fruit trees. Citrus fruits are richer sources of bioactive compounds having beneficial effect on human health such as vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, limonoids, essential oils, acridone alkaloind, minerals and vitamin B complex. Majority of citrus fruits are eaten fresh such as sweet orange, mandarins, grapefruits etc (metallurgy 2011).

1.1     Aim and Objectives 

Aim                                                                                                                                         

The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of two medicinal plants (Psidium guajava and Citrus x sinensis) against two microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans and Candida aldicans).

Objectives

  1. To determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of Psidium guajava and Citrus x sinensis against the test organisms
  2. To determine the phytochemical properties of Psidium guajava and Citrus x sinensis.

 

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ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF CARICA PAPAYA SEED

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF CARICA PAPAYA SEED AGAINST ENTERIC ORGANISMS

ABSTRACT

Lots of research has been conducted on Carica papaya and its antibacterial efficacy on bacterial pathogens and this led to this study on antibacterial activities of Carica papaya seed extract on enteric microorganisms. The seed extract was prepared in two ways; Aqueous and methanolic with varying concentration such as 25, 50, 75, 100 mg/ml respectively. The agar well diffusion method was used to assay the effect on standardized test organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Also positive and negative control were used to truly have an accurate idea of how potent the seed extracts were when used in close compsarism with conventional drugs. The zone of inhibition was calculated at different concentrations of  the seed extracts for both (aqueous and methanolic). There was inhibition of the test organisms at varying concentrations except Salmonella typhi which was inhibited at 100mg/ml for both forms of extract. Though it was revealed that both forms of the seed extract (aqueous and methanolic) were effective against the bacterial pathogens, however the methanolic had more potency compared to the aqueous extract.

 

 CHAPTER ONE

1.0       INTRODUCTION

Carica papaya belongs to the family of Caricaceae, and several species of Caricaceae have been used as remedy against a variety of diseases (Alabi et al., 2012). Carica papaya is a neutraceutical plant having a wide range of pharmacological activities. The whole plant has its own medicinal value. Papaya is a powerhouse of nutrients and is available throughout the year. It is a rich source of threes powerful antioxidant vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E; the minerals, magnesium and potassium; the B vitamin pantothenic acid and folate and fiber (Aravind et al., 2013). The black seeds of the papaya are edible and have a sharp, spicy taste. They are sometimes ground and used as a substitute for black pepper. Dried papaya seeds actually look quite similar to peppercorns and can be used in just the same way. Sprinkle a little quantity over a meal, especially protein rich meals, is a simple way to add extra enzymes to your diet and improve your digestive appetite. The papaya seeds are very pungent and peppery, making them almost unpalatable. However the seeds seem to have more potent medicinal values than the flesh. Papaya seeds have antibacterial properties and are effective against Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus infections. Papaya seeds may protect the kidneys from toxin induced kidney failure. Papaya can eliminate intestinal parasites. It is used as heamoroid Cure for (piles) and typhoid and anti-helminthic and anti-amoebic properties (Aravind et al., 2013).

Enteric bacteria naturally live in the intestine of animals and humans; however some of these bacteria cause diarrhoea. Diarrhoea disease is one of the   leading   cause of illness in young children in Nigeria (Parashar et al; 2013). Diarrhoea disease are the cause of almost three million deaths annually mainly among children younger than five years of age, (Seung-Hak et al., 2006). Available report in Nigeria indicates that more than 315,000 deaths of pre-school age children are recorded annually as a result of diarrhoea disease (Babaniyi et al., 1991; Alabi et al; 1998). 

 The seed of papaya has antimicrobial activity against Trichomonas vaginali strophozoites. It could also be used in urinogenital disorder like trichomoniasis with care to avoid toxicity. The seeds, irrespective of its fruit maturity stages have bacteriostatic activity on gram positive and negative organisms which could be useful in treating chronic skin ulcer. However, little information exits on the antimicrobial property of Carica papaya dried and fresh leaves (Alabi et al., 2012). Recently, antifertility (Lohiya et al., 1999) antihelminthic (Satrija et al., 1995) and anti-inflammatory activity (Osho et al., 2007) have been reported. Carica papaya seeds possess moisture, proteins, fatty acids, and phospholipids, such as phosphotidylcholine and cardiolipin. Other compounds present in seeds are c farpaine, benzyl isothiocynate, benzyl glucosinolate, beta-sitosterol,caricin, enzyme myrosin. The well-studied proteinases from papaya are papain, chymopapain, caricain, and glycylendopeptidase. Papain occurs in all parts of the tree except the root (Anonymous, 1992).

Fruit and seed extracts have antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Escherischia coli, and Pseudomonas aeuroginosa (Tang et al., 1972; Emeruwa et al., 1982). The juice is used for curing warts, cancer, and tumors. Leaves have beenpoulticed into nervous pains, elephantoid growths (Asolkar et al., 1992). The antihyperglycemic effect of unripe mature fruits and seeds of Carica papaya have also been reported (Olagunja, et al 1995; Adeneye and Olagunja, 2009).

Papaya leaves are made into tea as a treatment for malaria. Antimalarial and antiplasmodial activity has been noted in some preparations of the plant, the leaves of the papaya plants contain chemical compounds of karpain, Substance which kills microorganisms that often interfere with the digestive function (Udoh et al., 2005). Papaya leaf extracts have phenolic compounds, such as protocatechuic acid, p-coumaric acid, 5, 7- dimethoxycoumarin, caffeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, chlorogenic acid (Romasi et al., 2011).Antimicrobials of plant origin effective in the treatment of infectious diseases and simultaneously mitigating many of the side effects often associated with synthetic antimicrobial agents have been discovered. Medical uses of plants range from the administration of the roots, barks, stems, leaves and seeds to the use of extracts and decoction from the plants (Iwu et al., 1999).

1.1     AIM

To determine the antibacterial effect of Carica papaya seed on enteric microorganism.

1.2     OBJECTIVES

To extract the active ingredients from Carica papaya seeds using two different solvents (water and methanol)

To determine the potency and efficacy of aqueous and methanolic seed extract of Carica papaya seed.

 

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