Abstract

*Dr. Agboke A. A. and Momoh M. A.

ABSTRACT

This study was to evaluate the phytochemical components, antimicrobial activity and acute toxicity of methanol extract of Moringa oleifera root bark. The Cinical isolates were characterized as S. aureus isolates and further identified as MRSA by disc diffusion method as recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). MRSA confirmation was done using Oxoid® DR0900 penicillin binding protein (pbp2’) latex agglutination test kits. Pulverised Moringa oleifera root bark was defatted with n-hexane to yield hexane fraction (HEF). The dried marc was extracted with methanol using Soxhlet extractor to obtain methanol crude extract (ME). Qualitative phytochemical analyses of the extract were carried out using standard procedures. The antimicrobial activities of ME was evaluated on the MRSA, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were evaluated. The preliminary acute toxicity and sub-acute toxicity of ME were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done with ANOVA followed by Duncan post Hoc test using SPSS v 17 software. Latex agglutination test confirmed 39 strains of the clinical isolates to be MRSA. The S. aureus isolates were resistant to vancomycin at 30 ?g/ml and sensitive to the extract at ME: MIC (3.0 ± 0.1 to 5.0 ± 0.5 mg/ml) and MBC (3.0 ± 0.1 to 6.0 ± 0.5 mg/ml). Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, resins, reducing sugars, proteins, fats and oil and carbohydrates. The oral acute toxicity test showed the LD50 of ME as 3663.96 mg/kg,