Evaluation of Securidaca longipenduculata leaf and root extracts for antimicrobial activities

Abstract

The aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts of the roots and leaves of Securidaca longipenduculata were studied for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Shigella sp. and Salmonella typhi, using the agar gel diffusion method. The phytochemicals present, as well as the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bacteriocidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts were also determined using standard methods. Results obtained indicated that the aqueous root extract was the most potent and had MIC and MBC of 50 and 200 mg/ml, respectively, against Shigella spp and S.typhi. Leaf extracts and methanolic root extracts showed no activity. Differences in the phytochemical composition in the various extracts could be responsible for the different antimicrobial activities. The high antimicrobial activity observed particularly from the aqueous root extract verified the ethnomedical claim of the plant in the treatment of diarrhea and could be a source for antimicrobials in the face of increasing drug resistance.