Determination of the Phytochemical and Antimicrobial properties of Nauclea latifolia Root Smith. (Rubiaceae)

Abstract

Nauclea latifolia is a valuable medicinal plant for treating different ailments. Infectious diseases constitute a world health concern. This work describes the phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial properties of the root of N. latifolia. Collected root samples were extracted via cold maceration with methanol. The methanol crude extract was fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions. Phytochemical analyses and antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract/ fractions were assessed using agar well diffusion method. Four different fractions were obtained from the methanol (crude) extract. The phytochemistry carried out showed the presence or absence of certain phytochemicals. The methanol (crude) extract and the different fractions had good antimicrobial properties. It was concluded that N. latifolia root revealed the presence of phytochemicals and has antimicrobial activity.