Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract and fractions of Anogeissus leiocarpa (DC) Guill. Et Perr. (Combretaceae)

Abstract

Infectious diseases are among the leading cause of death in the world, especially in the undeveloped countries. This situation is worsened by the appearance of antimicrobial resistance to the classic antibiotics due to their non-rational use. The medicinal plants could help us to fight against the antimicrobial resistance because they are known as a potential source of new actives substances. The aim of this study is to evaluate antibacterial activity of Anogeissus leiocarpa (cd.) Guill. And Perr. (Combretaceae), which is often used in Benin folk medicines to treat many infectious diseases. This antibacterial activity was investigated against 7 bacterial strains, using test of sensitizing in 96 wells plates. Ethanolic extract of leaves of Anogeissus leiocarpa and the fractions derived, show large spectral antibacterial activity with an increased sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus to the ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction (diameter of inhibition ˃ 9 mm). However none of the fractions seem to be more active than the ethanolic extract. These findings confirm the use of ethanolic extract of Anogeissus leiocarpa in traditional medicine against bacterial infectious diseases.