Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 12: 665 - 670. Published December 11, 2008.
Evaluation of antibacterial properties of flavonoid fraction from Antiaris africana (Engl)trategies for improving meat and egg productivity of indigenous chickens in Kumi and Apac districts, Uganda
Banso A. and Mann A.
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria
Corresponding author e–mail:abdumann@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the antibacterial properties of the flavonoid fraction of stem bark extract of Antiaris africana used ethnobotanically in Nigeria to relieve rheumatic, respiratory and stomachic pains.
Methodology and results: The stem bark of Antiaris africana and clinical isolates of Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia coli were used in this study. The extract from A. africana was screened for phytochemical properties. The extracted flavonoid fraction was assayed using the agar diffusion method. The zones of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were recorded. The flavonoid fraction exhibited antibacterial activity against B. subtilis, S. pyogenes and E. coli. The MIC against B. subtilis, S. pyogenes and E. coli were 0.04, 0.050 and 0.050 mg/ml, respectively.
Conclusions and application of findings: The extract of Antiaris africana (stem bark) was found to contain flavonoids that exhibited antibacterial activity. This justifies the ethnobotanical use of stem bark extract of Antiaris africana to relieve respiratory and stomach pains. The flavonoid fraction from A. africana could be used as source of antibacterial agents.
Key words
Antiaris africana,antibacterial properties, ethnobotanical use, flavonoid fraction, phytochemical properties
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