Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Biography

Biography: Ugoh Sylvanus Chukwudi

Abstract

Statement of the problem: Most of the known antibiotics used in the treatment of commonly known bacterial diseases are fast being ineffective because of the resistance of these bacteria to the drugs and where available can be very costly especially in the developing countries. Hence there is neethat d to look for drugs from plant sources and are cost effective. This study therefore focuses on the evaluation of the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity and antibacterial effect of Piper guineense seed.

Methodology & Theoritical Orientation: The seeds of Piper guineense were extracted using methanol, hexane and sterile distilled water as solvents. The test organisms were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Klebsiella pneumoniae The phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, steroids and terpenoids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and phenols. The different extracts of Piper guineense seeds exhibited different levels of antioxidant activities. The highest percentage inhibition at 1 mg/ml for the methanol, hexane and aqueous extracts were 83.18%, 76.49% and 46.53% respectively. The methanol extract showed highest antioxidant activity. The zone of inhibition of the methanol extract against E. coli ranged from 6 mm to 13 mm, and 8 mm to 14 mm against S. aureus. However, the methanol and aqueous extract had no effect against K. pneumoniae. The zone of inhibition of the hexane extract against E. coli, S. aureus, S. typhi and K.pneumoniae ranged from 8mm to 19mm, 13mm to 19mm, 9mm to 20mm, and 13mm to19mm respectively.  The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the methanol extract against E. coli, S. aureus, were at 125 mg/ml and 250 mg/ml against Salmonella typhi. The MIC of the hexane extract against E. coli and S. typhi were at 250 mg/ml and 125 mg/ml against S. aureus. The MIC of the aqueous extract against E. coli, and S. typhi were at 250 mg/ml and 500 mg/ml against S. aureus.  The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the methanol extract against S. aureus and S. typhi was at 250 mg/ml. The MBC of the aqueous extract against E. coli was at 250 mg/ml. the MBC of the hexane extract against E. coli and K. pneumonia was at 250 mg/ml and at 500 mg/ml against S. typhi.

Conclusion & Significance: The potentials exhibited by Piper guineense can be harnessed for the production of antibiotics or to enhance the efficacy of existing ones.