Antibacterial Properties of Different Husk Extracts of Cocos nucifera (Linn) in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The husk of coconut is part of drupe which have enormous benefit to humanity. However, what constitute the antimicrobial activity has not been fully investigated, and this is the basis for the study.
 Materials and Methods: The husk of coconut collected from local growers subjected to extraction process. The antimicrobial activity was investigated against bacterial strains; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella aerogene, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae by agar well diffusion method using n-hexane, ethanol and distilled water as solvents.
 Results: Aqueous extracts of coconut showed inhibitory effect against the different tested bacteria organisms with variable zone of inhibition range 7 to 22 mm.
 Conclusion: The aqueous extracts of coconut exhibited the presence of highly effective bioactive ingredients in these extracts. This can be identified, assay and characterize to be used as synthetic drug which would be available for treatment of bacterial infection.