Phytochemical, antibacterial and toxicity studies of the aqueous extract of Euclayptus camaldulensis Dehnh

The aqueous extract of the bark of E. camaldulensis was investigated for the presence of bioactive substances, antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella Typhi, and the acute toxicity in mammals. Investigation reveals the presence of saponins and tannins which contribute to its medicinal value. The demonstration of antimicrobial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria is an indication that the plant is a potential source for production of drugs with a broad spectrum of activity. The extract was bactericidal against S. aureus (50mg/ml), P. aeroginosa (50mg/ml), E. coli (100mg/ml) and B. subtilis (25mg/ml). It was however bacteriostatic against S. typhi and K. pneumoniae at 100mg/ml but had MIC of 12.5mg/ml and 25mg/ml respectively. Investigation also reveals that the plant is proinflammatory. The LD50 of the extract is ≥5000mg/kg b. wt. the heamatological and blood chemistry test shows that the PCV and marker enzymes (SGPT, SGOT and ALP) levels were all within the reference range. These results support the traditional application of the plant and suggests that the plant extracts possess compounds that are not acutely toxic with antibacterial properties that can be used as antibacterial agents in novel drugs for the treatment of gastroenteritis, supperative infections, urinary tract infections, typhoid fever and wound infections.

Author(s): Dickson Achimugu MUSA*, Fred Okwesili Chiletugo NWODO and Eleojo OJOGBANE

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