Investigation on traditional use of Pericopsis (afrormosia) laxiflora (Benth.) stem bark in treatment of infectious diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella sp., two multi-resistants bacteria

The aim of the present study was to investigate phytochemical constituents of various extracts of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark and their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella sp., two multi-resistants germs. Preliminary antibacterial activity of aqueous, methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts was evaluated by agar well diffusion method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined by tube dilution whilst Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) was determined by agar diffusion method. Aqueous extract have shown lowest activity against the two strains tested with diameters of inhibition (16-17 mm). Whereas, the three organic extracts have recorded the highest activity with diameters of inhibitions (20-22 mm). Aqueous extract gave a MBC of 100 mg/ml on the two germs. Organic extracts were given MBC included between 0.39 and 3.12 mg/ml. Phytochemical screening of all extractsshowed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, steroids andterpnoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, phenoliccompounds, alkaloid and reducing compounds in different proportions, justifying the differences in their respective antibacterial activities. The study confirms the use of P. laxiflora in traditional medicine for treatment of some infectious diseases.