Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activity Studies of the Extract from the Bark of <i>Ricinodendron heudoletti</i>, Euphorbiaceae

Abstract

The fractions and pure compounds isolated from the bark of R. heudoletti were tested for their antibacterial properties on negative and positive gram bacteria using the disc diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis of the fractions and pure compound isolated was also conducted. The inhibitions parameters of the fractions and pure compound were determined using macro dilution method. The results showed that fraction and isoflavonoid exhibited a significant antibacterial effect against twelve strains isolated from patients. These microorganisms were Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Morganella morganii, Citrobacter freundi, and Proteus vulgaris) and positive gram (Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus feacalis). The ratio of minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) over the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) indicated a promising bactericidal effect of fractions and pure compounds isolated. These results support the current common use of the bark of Ricinodendron heudoletti and flavonoids in the treatment of some infectious diseases.