Abstract

EVALUATION ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTS OF GARCINIA KOLA AND VERNONIA AMYGDALINA ON STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM RESIDENTS OF ABUJA. NIGERIA

Opara John-Kennedy I., Onwuliri F. C., Agumah N. B.*, Njoku O. M., Onwuliri E. A.

Abstract

This study was carried out to ascertain the antibacterial effects of extracts of Garcinia Kola and Vernonia amygdalina on Staphylococcus isolated from residents of Abuja. Fresh Bitter Kola seeds and Vernonia amygdalina leaves were purchased from various markets in Abuja. Some of them were collected from domestic gardens. Extracts were prepared and tested upon isolates of Staphylococcus aureus obtained from various clinical smaples. The crude extract of Bitter Cola showed activity against S. aureus, with mean zones of inhibition (ZOI) of 6.36 ±0.36 mm (3.9 ±0.6 - 8.9±0.6); compared to mean ZOI of 5.96 ±0.62 mm (5.2 ±0.3 - 6.7±0.8) recorded in Bitter Leaf. Aqueous extracts of Bitter Cola exhibited higher antimicrobial activities, ZOI: 8.66 ±0.42mm (5.3 ±0.4 - 13.5 ±0.4), compared to mean ZOI of 5.96±0.62mm (5.2 ±0.3 - 6.7±0.8) recorded in V. amygdalina. On the other hand, aqueous extracts of Bitter Cola exhibited higher antimicrobial activities with a ZOI of 8.66 0.42 mm (5.3 ±0.4 - 13.5 ±0.4) compared to 6.36 ±0.36 mm (3.9 ±0.06 - 8.9 ±06 mm). Both crude and aqueous extracts of test plants exhibited significant (P<0.05) effects against S. aureus. The inhibitory activities of G. kola and V. amygdalina did not differ significantly (p> 0.05). The MIC of Garcinia kola seed extract ranged from 0.045–0.049 mg/mL. While the MBC of the extract ranged from 0.1268–1.25mg/mL. Similarly, the MIC of Vernonia ranged from 0.0016–0.1486 mg/mL and the MBC ranged from 0.0611–2.45 mg/mL respectively. The MBC values were much higher than the MIC values. Thus, is suggestive of bacteriostatic action of Garcinia and Vernonia extracts on S. aureus.

Keywords: Abuja, Staphylococcus, Vernonia, Garcinia, Antibacterial.