Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Hydroethanolic Extract from the Leaves of Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae)

Abstract

Background: For centuries, traditional medicine has been a source of reliable, acceptable and affordable healthcare for African populations. Despite the development of modern medicine in subsequent years, this tradition has spread widely from one country to another and from generation to generation. To date, 80% of the continent's population has used traditional medicine to meet their essential health needs. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC.) Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae). Results: Extraction of 30 g of Anogeissus leiocarpa leaf powder obtained yields of 20.66%. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, condensed tannins, hydrolysable tannins, sterols and saponosids. Leaf extracts from Anogeissus leiocarpa contained 174.79±3,31 mg EAG/g polyphenols and had a flavonoid content of 323.87±0.40 mg ER/g. Antimicrobial screening carried out on microbial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans) showed inhibition diameters of 25.33±1.73 mm, 24.66±0.57 mm and 32.33±0.57 mm, respectively. The MICs obtained were 1.25 µg/µl, 2.5 µg/µl and 1.25 µg/µl for S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans, respectively. And then, the MBCs obtained were 2.5 µg/µl, 5 µg/µl and 1.25 µg/µl for S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans, respectively. Conclusion: In view of these results, this plant could offer hope in the treatment of microbial diseases, which pose a real threat to public health.