ABSTRACT

Over the past three decades, there has been an increased need to investigate novel antimicrobial agents' natural sources. The increasing resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial agents may be a contributing factor in the switch from synthetic antimicrobial agents to natural compounds of plant origin. This study assessed the methanol extract of pentaclethra macrophylla stem bark' and other fractions (aqueous methanol, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane) for antibacterial activity.

Using the agar-well diffusion method, the antimicrobial activity of the various fractions was assessed against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Phytochemical was conducted using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists' technique (AOAC).

 The material was extracted by maceration process, then fractionated to yield the various part used. The fractions had brownish colour.The extract demonstrated efficacy against the test organisms.

  Phenols, flavonoid, saponins, reducing sugars, and carbohydrates were all detected by phytochemical analysis.

This study demonstrated the antibacterial activity of the various extract used of Pentaclethra macrophylla. The presence of saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic chemicals in the stem bark may be the cause of the action that has been reported. The traditional usage of Pentaclethra macrophylla for the treatment of infections now has a scientific justification thanks to this study.