Abstract

The aqueous and methanol extracts of Sterculia setigera was analyzed for some of its phytochemical components and evaluated forits antimicrobial properties on some gram-negative abdominal bacteria of humans, in vitro. Methanol and distilled water were used for the extraction and phytochemical analysis was performed using standard procedures. Strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp and Salmonella spp from stool specimen were inoculated in the appropriate agar and subcultured in Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar, Salmonella-shigella gar (SSA) and Müller-Hinton agar, respectively. Disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial effect of S. setigera extracts in triplicates at 37oC for 24 h. The zones of inhibition were measured. Results of phytochemical analysis showed high levels of tannins, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids in bott extracts. The methanol extract of S. setigera showed zero antimicrobial effect. The aqueous extract showed considerable effect with the medium and high doses on the gram-negative inoculum. This justifies the use of aqueous decoction of S. setigera by traditional medical practitioners for the treatment of abdominal ailments. There is need for further studies on the aqueous extract of S. setigera with a view of purifying and identifying the active principle responsible for this activity.