Phytochemical Evaluation and Antibacterial Potential of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Guiera Senegalensis (J.F.Gmel.)

Abstract

The leaves of Guiera senegalensis are reported to possess medicinal properties in Nigerian folklore. These properties are linked to the bioactive constituents of the plant. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity of the ethanolic leaves extract of G. senegalensis. Powdered leaves were subjected to maceration with 90% ethanol. The crude extract obtained was sticky in texture and brownish-green in color. Phytochemical screening using standard methods revealed the presence of phenolics, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and flavonoids, while anthraquinones were absent. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative). The results showed that E. coli was highly susceptible at 250 mg/ml with the highest zone of inhibition (16 mm), while S. aureus showed moderate susceptibility with a 14 mm zone of inhibition at the same concentration. The findings suggest that G. senegalensis is a promising source of naturally occurring antibiotics, thereby justifying its ethnomedicinal use.