Phytochemical and Microbiological Testing of Makahiya (Mimosapudica Linn.) Leaf Extract

Abstract

This study was conceptualized to identify the chemical substances present in Makahiya and test its microbiological potentials. It is with hope that this study may provide bench mark information for further studies of makahiya as alternative medicine. This study primarily aimed to analyze phytochemically and microbiologically the leaves of Makahiyaplant (Mimosapudica Linn). Results of the phytochemical screening indicate that makahiya leaves contained flavonoids as shown by the formation of magenta red solution, triterpenes as indicated by the presence of red color in solution in Liebermam Burchard Test and glycosides manifested by  the formation of brick red precipitate when the extract was subjected to Fehling's Test. The Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Method showed that makahiya leaf extract possesses a very strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus on and Bacillus subtilis. However, the makahiya leaf extract showed negative inhibitions activity against Candida albicans. It was also found out that a significant difference exists between and among the zones of inhibition of the three test organisms subjected to makahiya leafextract. It is therefore recommended that phytochemical substances present in makahiya leaves be isolated and purified to obtain their maximum therapeutic potentials; the sensitivity ofother bacterial and fungal strains to the plants must be tested and pharmacological assay on theplant should be done.