Phytochemical Analysis and In-vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Leaves, Root and Stem Extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum, Cochlospermum tintorium and Erythrina senegalensis

Aim: This Study was design to determine the phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of leaves, roots and stem bark of Cochlospermum tentorium, Bryophyllum pinnatum, and Erythrina senegalensis obtained in Takum Town of Taraba state.

Methods: The leaves, roots and stem bark of Cochlospermum tentorium, Bryophyllum pinnatum, and Erythrina senegalensis were obtained, dried, ground, and extracted using methanol. The antimicrobial activity of the extract at various concentration was tested using agar well diffusion techniques against three human pathogens by measuring zones of inhibition after incubation 24 hours

Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycoside, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins and steroids. Flavonoids were however absent in the leaf and stem bark of Cochlospermum tintorium, leaf and roots of Bryophyllum pinnatum, and leaf and roots of Erythrina senegalensis. Phenol and tannins were absent in the roots of Bryophyllum pinnatum. The quantitative screening shows that the leaf of Cochlospermum tintorium had the highest amount of glycoside (1.55mg/dl) while the roots had the least amount (0.81mg/dl). Stem bark of Bryophyllum pinnatum showed the highest amount of tannins (7.51mg/dl) while the leaf had the least (3.54mg/dl). Stem bark of Cochlospermum tintorium showed the highest amount of flavonoid (6.54mg/dl) while the leaf had the least (3.66mg/dl). Stem bark of Cochlospermum tintorium recorded the highest amount of phenol (4.37mg/dl) while the roots had the least (1.48mg/dl). The stem bark of Bryophyllum pinnatum recorded the highest amount of alkaloid (1.30mg/dl) while the leaf recorded the least (0.72mg/dl). Stem bark of Bryophyllum pinnatum showed the highest amount of saponins (2.85mg/dl) while the roots showed the least (1.57mg/dg). The methanolic leaf, root and stem bark extract of Cochlospermum tentorium had potent antibacterial activity, while Bryophyllum pinnatum, and Erythrina senegalensis had minimal antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Klepsiella pneumonae and staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusion: This result indicates that the methanolic leaf, root and stem bark extract of Cochlospermum tentorium had antimicrobial activity confirming the folklore claim. Thus, making a strong case for the isolation of novel antimicrobial agent from this plant.