Phytochemical Composition and <i>In vitro</i> Antimicrobial Activity of Leaf, Pulp and Seed of <i>Dacryodes edulis</i> (G. Don) H. J. Lam.

Chinelo Anthonia Ezeabara; Samson Ifeanyi Nwizugbe; Clement Uwabunkeonye Okeke

doi:7050234

Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) H. J. Lam. is an evergreen tree, which its primary useful part is the fruit that can be eaten fresh, roasted or cooked. The phytochemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial potential of the leaf, pulp and seed of the plant were evaluated. Different concentrations of the phytochemicals were tested against selected clinical pathogens using standard procedures. Test of significance was measured using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). There were presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, hydrogen cyanide, phenols, saponins, sterols and tannins in the leaf. Hydrogen cyanide, phenols and sterols were absent in the pulp; while phenols and saponins were not found in the seed. The highest levels of flavonoids (1.76±0.04 mg/100g) and alkaloids (1.66±0.02 mg/100g) were present in the leaf whereas the highest concentration of tannins (0.85±0.00 mg/100g) was detected in the seed. The inhibitory effects of the extracts increased with increasing concentration. The leaf showed the most activeness against Staphylococcus aureus while the seed was most active against Salmonella typhi and Rhizopus stolonifer. In addition, the leaf and seed were most active against Candida albicans. The phytochemicals detected in the leaf, pulp and seed of D. edulis, therefore, possessed antimicrobial properties; with the leaf and seed extracts being more active.

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