Antimicrobial Activities of <i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> (fluted pumpkins) Leaf Extract against Selected Intestinal Pathogens

Abstract

The antibacterial assay of the leaf of <i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> (Fluted pumpkins) on <i>Salmonella</i> <i>typhi</i>, <i>Escherichia</i> <i>coli</i> and <i>Streptococcus</i> <i>faecalis</i> was determined using the agar diffusion technique to investigate its potential use as antibacterial agent. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and phytochemical components of the leaf were studied. The phytochemical screening of the extract indicated the presence of glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics and steroids. The extract showed a higher antibacterial activity against <i>E. coli</i> (20 ±0.58mm at 500mgmg.ml), <i>S.</i> <i>faecalis</i> (6 ± 1.10mm at 5.0mg) and <i>S. typhi</i> (11±0.70mm at 50mg/ml). The MIC were 0,5mg/ml, 5.0mg/ml and 500mg/ml for <i>E. coli, S. typhi</i> and <i>S. faecalis</i> respectively. The MBC for <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. typhi</i> were 0.5mg/ml and 5.0mg/ml respectively while <i>S.</i> <i>faecalis</i> was resistant to the extract. The result of the study suggests that leaf extract of <i>T. occidentalis </i>can be used for the treatment of infections by the test organisms.