Evaluation of the antibacterial and chromatographic activity of the stem bark of Andira Inermis (Cabbage Tree)

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume VI, Issue VII, July 2021|ISSN 2454-6194

Evaluation of the antibacterial and chromatographic activity of the stem bark of Andira Inermis (Cabbage Tree)

Quazim B. Adebisi*,  Andrew D. Gosomji,  Bwede D. Danbok and Emeka Aniob
Department of Chemistry, F.C.E. Pankshin, Plateau State, Nigeria.
*Corresponding Author

Abstract
Plants have been used for centuries for better health care management of mankind. Modern science is now re-focusing its attention on natural plant therapies as a source of dealing with recent health challenges. The aim of this study focuses on the chromatographic and antibacterial activity of the chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of Andira Inermis (cabbage tree). The Thin layer chromatography test detected 11 components with retention factors between 0.16 and 0.95 proving the presence of secondary metabolites as phytochemicals present within the plant. Antibacterial effects of these extracts were tested against clinical isolates of bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at concentrations of 20, 30 and 40mg/ml. The extracts showed inhibitory effects on the microorganisms with inhibition diameter ranges of 8-18mm. However, the chloroform extract showed greater inhibitory action against staphylococcus aureus at the concentration of 40mg/ml. Therefore, the study justifies the use of Andira inermis as a potential source of antibiotics, and suggests the use of more highly effective organic solvents for its extraction.

Keywords: antibacterial activity; andira inermis; phytochemistry; inoculation; thin layer chromatography

1.Introduction

Plants have been subject of research as a result of their therapeutic and medicinal uses. Almost 70% of the people living in developing countries rely mostly on traditional medicine in treating common diseases. Medicinal plants have traditionally occupied an important position in the socio-cultural, spiritual and medicinal arena of rural and tribal lives of many people living in Northern Nigeria. From the very beginning of human civilization, people have used different plant parts to treat various diseases. This reality has forced many researchers to study the toxicity levels of many plants with specific medicinal activity. One of such plants includes “Andira Inermis”.
Andira inermis (A. Inermis) also referred to as “Cabbage tree” is a beautiful tree grown mostly in tropical America and West African countries including Nigeria. The plant is known for its many secondary metabolites with therapeutic importance (Sanmugapriya and Venkataraman, 2006). Many plants have been subjected to phytochemical screening to determine the phyto-constituents present therein, A.Inermis is no exception. However, research on the antibacterial potentials of the plant have been scanty and far-fetched.
Antibacterial are used to treat bacterial infections. The drug toxicity to humans and other animals from antibacterial is generally considered low and safe for prescription. The discovery, development and use of antibacterial during the 20th century has reduced mortality from bacterial infections. Antibacterial are among the most commonly used drugs and among the drugs commonly misused by physicians, for example, in viral respiratory tract infections. However,

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