Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial Activities of Crude and Diluted Leaves and Roots Extracts of Uvaria chamae on Selected Bacteria

Abstract

Plant metabolites are antibacterial. Antibacterial properties of aqueous, methanolic and n-hexane extracts of crude and diluted leaves and roots extracts of Uvaria chamae were studied to demonstrate its potential as achemotherapeutic agent. Test organisms include: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi and Proteus vulgaris. Fresh tender leaves and roots of Uvaria charmae were collected, air- dried, grounded and soaked in methanol, n-hexane and aqueous solvents. Phytochemistry was done using standard procedures, antimicrobial activity was determined using agar-well diffusion method (punch hole) and MIC determined. Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpernoids, glycosides, saponins and flavonoids. Antimicrobial analysis of the plant parts using disc-diffusion method showed ten (10mg/ml) MIC concentration for aqueous extract of the leaves showed no activity, while root decoction inhibited only Salmonella typhi (14.00+0.47mm). Methanolic crude extracts of the leaves (UMLc) (400µg) exhibited antibacterial effects on all tested organisms, higher for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.67+ 0.27mm) than gentamycin(10µg) control (21.33+ 0.72) mm, while its 10-1 (40mg) dilution was active against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Only crude n-hexane leaf extract (UNLc) was active for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.00 + 0.47mm). Crude methanolic extract of the roots UMRc(400µg) was active against all tested bacteria and clearance for Proteus vulgaris (23.33±0.54mm) was greater than that in both controls (ciprofloxacin (5 µg) (22.33±0.72 mm) and (gentamycin 10µg) (16.67±0.72mm).UNRchad activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa(25.00 0.47 mm, 22.00 mm, and 12.67 0.27mm), while its 10-¹ dilution (40mg) had effects on Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (11.00 0.82mm, 13 0.47mm) only. The 10-2 (4µg) dilutions of (UMR and UNR) had no activity. Comparison of inhibition size between UML (20.33+ 0.27mm) and UMR (23.33+ 0.54mm)against Proteus vulgaris was significantly greater than inhibition size of gentamycin(10µg) (16.67+ 0.72) p<0.05.Activity of UML against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(23.67+ 0.27mm) was comparable to both ciprofloxacin (25.33+ 1.15mm) and gentamycin (21.33+ 0.72mm) p>0.05.Aqueous extracts of Uvaria chamae roots could be modified and harnessed for eradicating Salmonella typhi, UMLc and UMR for Proteus vulgaris and UML for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Uvaria chamae crude and diluted extracts of both parts are potential future antibiotics.

Unlocking the potential ofUvaria chamae: A cream formulation for combattingStaphylococcus aureusskin infections

“…These results suggest that the ethanolic extract of Uvaria chamae root improves wound healing in addition to its antibacterial properties. This healing action is attributed to the phytochemicals present in the extract, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins, as reported in previous studies [11,14,41]. These results validate the use of Uvaria chamae extracts in the management of S. aureus skin infections without adverse consequences.…”

“…Several studies have identified various bioactive compounds in this plant that exhibit antimicrobial properties against numerous pathogenic microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria, thus broadening its therapeutic applications [13]. Research has shown that ethanolic extracts of Uvaria chamae roots contain chalcones and dihydrochalcones, bioactive compounds that impart antimicrobial activity against a range of multi-resistant gram-positive bacteria at lower concentrations than conventional antibiotics [11,14]. Consequently, Uvaria chamae , with its well-established medicinal properties, emerges as a promising candidate for treating skin infections.…”