Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial and Anti-Diarrheal Activity of Combretum dolichopetalum

Background and Study Aim: In Nigeria Combretum dolichopetalum is used to treat various diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, blood in stool and diarrhoea. The study aimed at investigating on the phytochemical contents, antibacterial activity and antidiarrhoeal activity of C. dolichopetalum leaves.

Methodology: Collected leaves of C. dolichopetalum leaves were sun dried and powdered. The extract (MECD) was prepared by cold maceration using methanol. MECD was subjected fractionation by open column chromatography eluted with n-hexane, 10% MeOH-DCM. Ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water five fractions (HxF, MMCF, EtOAcF, BuF and AqF). These were subjected to phytochemical screening by standard chemical tests and antibacterial testing on standard microorganisms and clinical isolates and, antidiarrhoeal testing against castor oil induced diarrhea in rats was performed using MECD.

Results: Detected phytochemicals included; Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Resins, Saponins, Steroids, Tannins, Terpenoids etc. MECD demonstrated antidiarrhoeal activity in all tested concentration in a dose dependent manner. Varying zones of inhibition was observed among tested microorganisms showing sensitivity to at least four test samples except for S. kintambo was sensitive to MECD and MMCF. None the tested microbes showed sensitivity towards AqF. The lowest MIC value of 15.63 mg/ml of test samples was observed against clinical isolated and P. aeruginosa. S. kintambo showed resistance to most tested samples except to MMCF and MECD with the MIC value of 62.5 mg/ml.

Conclusion: The plant C. dolichopetalum (leaves) is rich in several phytochemicals and possess antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial activity. It can provide standardized herbal formulation if proven to be safe.