Abstract

* Nwankwo, N. Emeka, Egbuonu A.C. Cemaluk

The leaf of the African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) parasitic on Kola acuminata in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria was studied. The crude petroleum ether extract (CPE) and ethanol extract of the CPE residue (EER) of Loranthus micranthus Linn were subjected to phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluation. Results of the phytochemical screening showed that EER had proteins, carbohydrates and reducing sugars while CPE had none of these metabolites. Flavonoids was absent, while tannins, steroids, saponins and terpenes were present in CPE and EER. Results of the antimicrobial activity revealed that CPE, EER and even standard antibiotic, gentamycin did not elicit any activity against A. niger and C. albicans. CPE and EER were active against S. aureus, S paratyphyi, B. subtilis and K. spp. Furthermore, the highest inhibition was noted in CPE (25.00) against S. aureus while the least was observed in EER (14.00) against P. aeruginosa. Altogether, the study suggests that CPE and EER extracts of leaf of Loranthus micranthus Linn parasitic on Kola acuminata in Nsukka area of Eastern Nigeria may serve as source for therapeutic compounds, thereby justifying its use in alternative medicine and potential for development into orthodox drugs.