ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF METHANOL EXTRACTS OF FICUS EXASPERATE LEAVES FROM AFIKPO METROPOLIS

Abstract

Ficus exasperate (sand paper tree) has been used in folk medicine to treat different ailments, including wound infections. The Phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of methanol and acetone extracts of Ficus exasperate was evaluated. The following phytochemicals were contained in the extracts; Tannins, Flavinoids, Terpenoids, Alkaloids and cardicglucosides. Saponins, Steriods and anthraquinone were absent. The highest antimicrobial activity was exhibited by the methanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts ranged between 0.410-1.654mg/mL, with the acetone extract having low MIC values. The antibiotic efficacy of organic solvent extracts of Ficus exasperata could likely be because of the phytochemicals contained in the extract. The results obtained from this study supports the folkloric use of the plant. The plant could be useful in production of antibiotics. Further advanced investigation is hereby suggested.