Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Aframomum chrysanthum seed extracts

Abstract

Three extracts of Aframomum chrysanthum seeds were investigated for antimicrobial activity using disk diffusion method. Varied concentration-dependent antimicrobial activities were exhibited by n-hexane and ethylacetate extracts against the investigated pathogenic microorganisms especially Staphylococcus aureus. Susceptibility testing conducted on all the extracts showed that n-hexane extract had moderate antimicrobial activity at 200 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum. All the isolates were observed to be resistant to the methanol extract n-Hexane extract displayed potent antimicrobial activity against Trichophyton rubrum when compared to the standard antifungal drug (fungisol) used in the investigation. Phytochem. anal. carried out on the n-hexane extract of Aframomum chrysanthum seed, revealed the presence of eighty-one (81) compounds made up of phytosterols, alkaloids, anthraquinone, phospholipids and fatty acids. The presence of these phytochems. is an indication that the plant could be used as antimicrobial agent.