Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Nymphea lotus from Lapai- Reservoir,

Abstract

Phytochemical analysis of three plant parts (leaves, flowers, and rhizomes) of Nympha from a reservoir in Lapai Niger State were studied to ascertain there medicinal value. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as tannins, tarpenes, Jlavonoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, saponins, 8lycosides. The anthraquinonoes, tarpenes, and glycosides were the most prominent bioactive compounds in the leaves, while anthraquinones and glycosides were the prominent bioactive compounds in the flowers and the rhizome. The crude, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the medicinal plants were tested against Stapylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus sp Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris. Enthanolic exracts of the leaves produced greater zones of inhibition on Staphylococcus aureuS and Strepococcus sp. while the aqueous extracts produced no zones of inhibition on any of the organisms. The enthanolic extract of the leaves produced zone of inhibition on Candida albican while the enthanolic extract of the flowers produced zones of inhibition on Candida albicans. Escherichia coli, Salomonella typhi and Proteus vulgaris were the most resistant to the leaves enthanolic extracts, while Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcs sp, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris were the most resistant to the leaves enthanolic extracts, while Stapylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus sp., Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris were the most resistant to the flowers enthanolic extracts. The organisms showed resistance to the enthanolic extracts of the rhizomes. The interest in the scientific investigation of these medicinal plants from Lapai reservoir, Nigeria is based on the claims of their effective use for the treatment of many diseases. Therefore, research into the effects of these local medicinal plants is expected to enhance the use of these plants against diseases caused by test pathogens.