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Objective : This study analysed the roots of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia glaucescens for their chemical constituents and investigated their therapeutic potential in Escherichia coli related infections with a view to combating resistant strains and providing basis for future pharmacological research on the two plants. Methodology and results : The phytochemical analysis of the powdered plant samples was done using qualitative technique. The water and ethanol extracts of the two plants were prepared using cold extraction method. An extract concentration of 10 mg/ml was employed for the antibacterial screening using agar-well diffusion method. The test organisms were clinical isolates of E. coli obtained from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria. All data were statistically analysed. The plants contained alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols and glycosides. Seventy (70) % of the test organisms were susceptible to the water extracts of both plants at 10 -6 cfu/ml inoculum concentration of isolates. The ethanol extracts of the plants were active against 100 % of the organisms at 10 -6 cfu/ml. Conclusion and application of results : The plants have significant therapeutic potential in the management of E. coli associated infections. The isolation of active compounds from the two plants and the study of their mode of actions in infections could lead to the discovery of novel phytodrugs that could be useful in combating multidrug resistant strains of E. coli . The roots of the two plants are sold as chewing sticks (for the prevention of oral infections and mouth odour) in Nigeria. This study indicates the possible antibacterial activity of the plants against oral microbes hence they could be useful in the prevention of tooth decay, gum and throat infections. In addition, the antioxidant screening of the plants could form basis for the assessment of their therapeutic potential in the management of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The roots of the two plants are commonly used in ethnomedicine in Nigeria; therefore efforts should be directed at their sustainable use via conservation. |
