Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Boerhaviacoccinea

Abstract

This study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of the leaf and root metha- nolic extracts of BoerhaviacoccineaP.Mill, of the family Nyctaginaceae. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of tannins and flavonoids and absence saponins in both root and leaves extracts. Whereas, terpenenes- were detected in root extract and not in the leaves and glycosides were detected in leaves extract but not in the root extract. The in vitro antimicrobial testing was carried by using six pathogenic microbes that included; four bacteria (Bacilusanthracis (NCTC10073), Streptococcus pyogens (clinical isolate), Vibrio cholera (clinical isolate), Shigelladysentriae(clinical isolate)) and two fungi; Candida albicans (ATCC90028) and Cryptococcus neoformans (clinical isolate).Moderate inhibitory activity with MIC value of 0.625 mg/mL against Cryptococcus neoformans  and MIC value of 1.250 mg/mL against Candida albicans were obtained from leaf and root extracts respective- ly.Both extracts exhibited weak activity of 5.00 mg/mL against Bacilusanthracis whereas, Streptococcus pyogens, Vibrio cholerae, Shigelladysentriae were resistant at the maximum concentration tested (MIC > 5.00 mg/ml). In the light of our results, phytochemicals with antifungal activity are present in both leaves and roots. The tradition- al use this plant has been validated. The activity against Cryptococcus neoformans provides is an additional data that was not indicated by information providers.