Exploring the Phytochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Potential of Leaf Extracts from Megaphrynium macrostachyum

Salisu Danjuma  Ibrahim; Olatomiwa Olubunmi  Ariyo; Aireguamen I.  Aigbodion; Ikhazuagbe  Hilary Ifijen; Oyiguh Joseph  Abraham; Ruth Foluke  Aminu; Benjamin Ewanole  Ohiocheoya; Philip Okiemute  Igbako; Ndah Sumaila  Akpala

doi:10.18502/jmb.v12i4.17005

Salisu Danjuma Ibrahim Department of Research Operations, Crop Protection Division, Plant Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria
Olatomiwa Olubunmi Ariyo Department of Microbiology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti State, Nigeria
Aireguamen I. Aigbodion Department of Physical Sciences, Benson Idahosa University, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.
Ikhazuagbe Hilary Ifijen Department of Research Outreach, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Iyanomo, Benin City, Nigeria.
Oyiguh Joseph Abraham Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
Ruth Foluke Aminu Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
Benjamin Ewanole Ohiocheoya Department of Research Operations, Crop Protection Division, Plant Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria.
Philip Okiemute Igbako Department of Research Operations, Crop Protection Division, Plant Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria.
Ndah Sumaila Akpala Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmb.v12i4.17005

Keywords: Antimicrobial, Medicinal, Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves, Phytochemical, plants

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants offer a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds, placing them as a compelling avenue for novel drug exploration. In recent times, the emphasis on harnessing natural products sourced from medicinal plants has escalated due to their diminished adverse effects, economic viability, and efficacy against a broad spectrum of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The aim of this investigation was to scrutinize the phytochemical constitution and antimicrobial efficacy inherent to Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves.

Methods: Three distinct solvents – ethanol, water-ethanol, and water – were employed to extract the diverse range of phytochemicals housed within the leaves. Subsequently, the extracted compounds were subjected to assessment for their antimicrobial potential against both bacteria and fungi, which were isolated from various samples. This evaluation was executed employing the agar well diffusion method.

Results: The qualitative analysis of phytochemical components unveiled the substantial presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, while a relatively lower occurrence of steroids was observed across the different leaf extracts. Further quantitative analysis showed that the most potent extract exhibited elevated phenolic content (2.400 mg/ml), closely trailed by flavonoids (1.995 mg/ml) and saponins (1.909 mg/ml). This study furnishes compelling proof of the efficacy encompassed within Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves, particularly concerning their proficiency against both fungi and bacteria.

Conclusion: As such, it adds momentum to the accumulating body of knowledge concerning the
exploitation of natural medicinal plants, paving the way for enhanced therapeutic interventions.