Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Stem Bark of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) Benth

Abstract

Parkia biglobosa is a wild medicinal plant used against ailments by the local people. Antimicrobial investigation of the ethanolic extracts of the stem bark of Parkia biglobosa was carried out against pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Shegella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp and Escherichia coli). At the concentration used in the study, it exhibited (inhibited) activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli but not against Shegella dysenteriae and Klebsiella spp. The stem bark is more potent with the highest stem bark extracts concentration (200mg/ml) resulting in inhibition zone diameter of 14, 13 and 12mm respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Terpenoids, Saponins, Tannins, Alkaloids, Phlobatannins, Steriods, Quinins and free anthraquinones in stem bark extracts. Carbohydrates was not detected. Result obtained explains why parts of this plant are used traditionally for the treatment of various infections.