Preliminary phytochemical screening and antimicrobial evaluation of four medicinal plants traditionally used in Nigeria for skin infection

摘要

The antimicrobial effect of some selected Nigerian medicinal plants traditionally used by the local people for treating skin infections was evaluated on some microorganisms likeCandida albicansMTCC 227,Staphylococcus aureusATCC 2785,Proteus mirabilisATCC 21784 andPseudomonas aeruginosaATCC 27856. The solvents used for extraction were water, ethanol, methanol and petroleum ether. Thein vitroantibacterial activity was performed by agar disc diffusion method. Results showed that all the extracts were active butCassia alataextracts were the most active. The activity of the extracts were concentration dependent and had zones of inhibition between 10 to 19 mm. It can be concluded that these medicinal plants extracts are as potent as standard antimicrobial drugs which justify their uses for the treatment of skin diseases by the local people.