|
|
The antimicrobial effect of the ethanolic
and aqueous extracts of Sida acuta was investigated.
Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins; tannins,
cardiac glycosides, alkaloids and anthraquinones. The test isolates from
human skin infections were Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Scopulariopsis candida,
Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus. The zone of
inhibition for the ethanolic extract varied from 10 mm for P.
aeruginosa to 43 mm for S. aureus and from 4 mm for P.
aeruginosa to 29 mm for S. aureus in the aqueous extract.
Though the zone of inhibition increased with increase in concentration
of the extract, the highest concentration of the ethanolic extract
revealed a higher significant (P > 0.05) inhibition against S. aureus
and B. subtilis compared to the inhibition effect on these
organisms by gentamacin used as control. The aqueous extract had no
significant effect on the test organisms. The extracts had no inhibitory
effect on the fungi isolates. This study has shown that the extract of
S. acuta if properly harnassed medically will enhance our health
care delivery system.
Key words:
Antimicrobial, inhibition, ethanolic extract, aqueous extract,
Phytochemical and Sida acuta. |
|
