Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of Guiera Senegalensis Leaves Extract Obtained from Yabo Community in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern that causes numerous fatalities Worldwide. There is an urgent need to produce new drugs that will help address the issue of antimicrobial resistance. G. senegalensis, popularly known as “Sabara” in Hausa, is a shrub/ small tree that grows up to 5m. The plant was used as a source of medicine for the rural populace to cure illnesses. This research aims to investigate the antimicrobial properties of G. senegalensis against some selected bacterial and fungal isolates. The plant was collected from Yabo LGA, Sokoto State. The leaves were washed with distilled water, shade-dried, and ground into a fine powder. Five hundred grams of powdered G. senegalensis leaves were macerated with solvents in the ratio of 1:5, the solvents were evaporated at 45^oC. The extract's phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties were assessed using a standard procedure. The results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, tannins, steroids, and saponins. The average zone of inhibition for the bacterial and fungal isolates was between 6.58±1.79 and 15.67±1.45mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is as follows: S. dysenteriea 0.1mg/ml, S. aureus and E coli 0.05 mg/ml, S. typhi 0.025mg/ml, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 0.1mg/ml. For the fungal, the MIC was found to be 0.025mg/ml and MFC 0.05mg/ml. The results indicated that G. senegalensis is effectively used in traditional medical systems and could be used as a source of medicine to treat numerous microbial diseases.