ANTIBACTERIA EFFECTS OF BITTER LEAF PLANT (Vernonia amygdalina),

 

Antibacterial activity from aqueous and ethanol extracts of Vernonia amygdalina was carried out. Different parts such as leaves and roots were investigated for antibacterial activity on bacteria such as (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aurous, Staphylococcus albus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Antibacterial activity was determined by the Agar well diffusion and filter paper disc methods, and minimum inhibitory concentration was also determined. The widest zone of inhibition (25 mm) was observed by ethanol extract of V. amygdalina leaf extract against Streptococcus pneumonia and Klebsiella pneumonia. The antibacterial effects of V. amygdalina had a stronger effect on Gram positive bacterial than the Gram negative bacterial with exception of E. coli. The findings from this study provide evidence that supports the use of V. amygdalina in traditional medicine.

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as remedies for human diseases because they contain components of therapeutic value ( Tanaka, 2002). Traditional medicine is an important part of African cultures and local medicinal systems vary between different cultural groups and regions (Makhubu, 2006). Herbs are now very popular in developing countries on account of improved knowledge about the safety, efficacy and quality assurance of ethno- medicine. In recent years, secondary plant metabolites (phyto-chemicals) have been extensively investigated as a source of medicinal agents. Thus, it is anticipated that phyto-chemicals with good antibacterial activity will be used for the treatment of bacterial infections. This is because, according to Arora and Keur (1999), the success story of chemotherapy lies in the continuous search of new drugs to counter the challenges posed by resistant strains of microorganisms. Studies indicate that in some plants there are many substances such as peptides, tannins, alkaloids, essential oils, phenols, and flavonoids among others which could serve as sources for antimicrobial production. These substances or compounds have potentially significant therapeutic application against human pathogens including bacteria, fungi and viruses ( Okigbo and Omodamiro 2006).