Abstract
Background : Abrus precatorius extracts have demonstrated notable antimicrobial activity against various pathogens due to the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, rendering it a promising therapeutic option in the management of microbial infections.
Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of Abrus precatorius and evaluate its efficacy when formulated into a cream.
Methods: Abrus precatorius extracts were prepared using methanol and water as solvents, yielding varying percentages. A cream base Cetomacrogol ointment BP was formulated and melted and mixed with a solution containing methanol extracts of different concentrations, chlorocresol and distilled water. The mixture was stirred until a smooth cream was formed. Creams were evaluated for organoleptic properties and antimicrobial activity using agar well diffusion method.
Results: The percentage yield of methanol and aqueous extracts from Abrus precatorius was determined, with the aqueous extraction method yielding 16.82% and the methanol extract yielding 14.50% . Both extracts of Abrus Precatorius (Fabaceae) demonstrated antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms, with the methanol extract showing effectiveness against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus niger with zones of inhibition 20mm,19mm, 15mm,15mm and 15mm respectively. The aqueous extracts of Abrus Precatorius(Fabaceae) exhibited slightly smaller inhibition zones 18mm,15mm,12mm, and 12mm respectively. The aqueous extracts of Abrus Precatorius (Fabaceae) however showed no activity against Aspergillus niger. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing indicated the dose dependent efficacy of the methanol extracts against microorganisms with higher concentrations showing more activity, at 100mg/ml the extracts showed activity against the organisms but showed no activity at 12.5mg/ml . The methanol extracts of Abrus precatorius (Fabaceae) did not exhibit bactericidal effects against tested microorganisms. Physicochemical analysis of the methanol extract cream revealed distinct characteristics compared to plain cream, suggesting potential sensory impact on consumer preference.
Conclusion: The study findings reveal that the methanol plant extracts exhibit dose dependent activity and showed greater efficacy against microorganisms compared to the aqueous extracts. The cream formulations of Abrus precatorius (Fabaceae) showed no activity against the microorganisms hence the use of methanol plants extracts will be preferred in the management of microbial infections.
