Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activities of Euphorbia balsamifera Leaves Stems and Root Against Some Pathogenic Microorganisms

Abstract

Plants and plant-based products are the bases of many of the modern pharmaceuticals we use today for various ailments. The objective of the study was to determine the bioactive chemical constituents and to evaluate   extracts of Euphorbia balsamifera leaves, stem and root for in vitro antimicrobial activities by seagar dilution method. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts of the plant parts revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, steroid, terpenoid, flavonoids, cardic glycosides and balsam (gum). The extract of Euphorbia balsamifera leaves, stem and roots were mostly effective against  Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Klebsiella sp., Escherichia coli and  Candida albicans. Thin layer chromatography(TLC) revealed four, three and two spots for ethanol, petroleum ether and chloroform extracts respectively using ethyl acetate: hexane solvent mixture. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the crude extracts were determined for the various organisms which ranged between 5.0 and 6.0 mg/ml, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranged between 4.5 and 6.0 mg/ml. Euphorbia balsamifera could be a potential source of antimicrobial agents.