Phytochemical Composition and Antibacterial Activities of Ocimum Gratissimum (L)

Malami, Y. G., jatau, A., Umar, R., Murtala, Y. S. and Shehu, S.G.

Department of Science Laboratory Technology

The Polytechnic of Sokoto State

E-mail: ymgumburawa@yahoo.com

Abstract

Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) is an herbaceous plant for many medical practices amongst Nigerian. Phytochemical and antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of O. gratissimum were determined, preliminary phytochemical screening showed that leaf, stem and root extract contains, Alkaloids, tannins, Saponins and cardiac glycosides. The leaf showed no activity against E. Coli but the stem and the root showed inhibitory effect on the growth of E.Coli while the leaf   and stem showed inhibitory effect on growth of S. Pneumoniae but the root shows no inhibitory effect. The strongest activity was found at concentration of 120mg/ml of the extracts but less efficacious at 30mg/ml. The study Elucidate that O. gratissinum posses vital components of strong inhibitory effect on bacteria pathogens and may be recommended for use in the management of gram negative bacterial infection