Phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of leaves of African mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus) on some selected microbial pathogens in Abia State, Nigeria.

¹Orji, F.A., ²Nwachukwu, N.C., ²Onyia, A.U., ³Nkwocha, M., and ¹Itoandon, E.E

^1.Department of Biotechnology, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria.

^2.Department of Microbiology, Abia State University, Uturu, PMB 2000, Uturu Abia State, Nigeria.

^3.Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Corresponding Author’s E-mail: orjifa@yahoo.com; 

Tel: 08034914979

Accepted 12 December, 2012

Abstract

In this study performed on the leaves African mistleloe (Loranthus micranthus), phytochemicals such as Tanins, Saponins, Flavonoids, Phenols, Alkaloids and Anthocyanin were quantitatively determined. Composition studies also indicated the presence of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium at different concentrations. Antimicrobial susceptibility was observed at various concentrations (50mg/disc – 300kg/disc) on Staphylococcus, aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus species, Penicillum species. Susceptibility variance should be stated. Highest – lowest. No antibacterial activity was observed on Salmonella typhi at concentration <300mg/disc. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined with different organisms and results documented. This research calls for further pharmacological research attention on Loranthus micranthus with the view to formulating some refined therapies from this herb.

Keywords: Phytochemicals, Antimicrobial, African Mistletoe, Ethanolic Leaf Extract, Abia State, Nigeria.