Phytochemical, antioxidant and microbial inhibitory effects of Spondias mombin leaf and stem bark extracts

Abstract

AIM: The study evaluated the phytochemical, antioxidant and microbial inhibitory properties of the leaf and stem bark extracts of Spondias mombin. METHODOLOGY: Ten grams of the leaves and stem bark were each extracted with 100ml of 80% ethanol, hot and cold water respectively and allowed to stand for 24 hrs. The phytoconstituents, antioxidant vitamins C and E and antimicrobial testing were carried by standard methods. RESULTS: There were the presence of the tested phytoconstituents in both the leaves and stem bark extracts using different extraction media. The leaves contain saponins, alkaloids and tannins in all the extraction media while flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins were detected in all the extraction media of the stem bark. The leaf extract contained more vitamin C and E than the stem bark extracts. The ethanolic extract showed increased activity against Staphylococcus aureus when compared to the inhibitions observed with the other tested microorganisms. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the plant has both medicinal and antioxidant properties.