ABSTRACT

Infectious diseases are still a major health concern accounting for 41% of the global disease burden. Hence this study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of herbal drinks (Agbo jedi jedi and Agbo infection) against pathogens of public health importance. Samples of Agbo jedi jedi and Agbo infection herbal drinks were obtained from Oba market in Benin City, Edo State. Following standard laboratory procedures, the antibacterial activities and phytochemicals constituents were determined. The results shows that antibacterial activities of Agbo infection, showing zones of inhibition on the tested organisms were as follows: Staphylococcus aureus (18 mm), Salmonella typhi (20 mm), Shigella sp. (16 mm), Enterococcus faecalis (20) and Candida albicans (18 mm). While Agbo jedi jedi was 11 mm only on Staphylococcus aureus.Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates revealed that Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were susceptible to Gentamicine. Salmonella typhi and Shigella sp. were susceptible to Gentamicine and Ciprofloxacin. While Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis were susceptible to Erythromycin and Gentamicine respectively. Phytochemical analysis carried out on the herbal extract also revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as: saponins, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, reducing sugars and phenolic compound. The study suggests that Agbo infection herbal extracts can be used as natural alternative to treat infectious bacterial infections.