Uyi Friday ENEKPOA

Pentaclethra macrophylla belongs to the Mimosaceae family, the different parts have been used traditionally for a host of different diseases and ailments over the years including dysentery, influenza, diabetes and jaundice. The antibacterial assessment of the bark part of Pentaclethra macrophylla was carried out against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) as well as gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). The tree bark of Pentaclethra macrophylla was extracted with methanol and water (aqueous), at concentrationns of 500 mg/ml 250 mg/ml, 125 mg/ml, 62.5 mg/ml and 31.25 mg/ml. Antibacterial assay was carried out using Agar Well Diffusion method (A.W.D.). Statistical significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the antimicrobial activities between the methanol and aqueous extracts and the standard antimicrobial drugs. The results of this study revealed that the methanol exhibited more significant antimicrobial activities in both gram positive and negative microorganisms. The results obtained revealed that both extracts could contain active antimicrobial compounds which may inhibit the growth of microorganisms associated with infectious diseases in in-vitro conditions. This study has provided the basis for the use of Pentaclethra macrophylla bark in the treatment of diarrhoeal, dysentery, and wound infection. This study does not only show the scientific basis for some of the therapeutic uses of this plant in traditional medicine, but also confirms the fact that ethno-botanical approach should be considered when investigating antimicrobial properties of plants. There is also need for the incorporation of its methanol and aqueous extracts of P. macrophylla bark in the manufacture of new drugs against common infections caused by the organisms whose growth was inhibited. Thorough works still needs to be done to harness the full antibacterial potentials of this plant for an improved health status of man as well as its nutritive potentials. These findings therefore justify its high acceptability in traditional medicine and the therapeutic uses.