Abstract

*M. Yusha

Annona squamosa (L.) leaves were extracted with ethanol using percolation method and the extract obtained was partitioned in chloroform and distilled water at a ratio of 1:1 using 30ml volume. The extract and fractions were tested for antibacterial activity against clinical respiratory tract isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus species, Pseudomonas species, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and α-haemolytic Streptococci using disc diffusion and micro-broth dilution techniques. The extract and fractions were also screened for the presence of plant secondary metabolites using standard procedures. Sensitivity test results showed that water fraction of the plant was active on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae (10 mm) at 50µg/disc concentration while ethanolic extract of the plant was active against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Proteus species at 200µg/disc concentration with zone diameter formed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (11 mm) being wider than that formed in response to standard Augmentin disc (06 mm). The results of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, reducing sugars, steroids and tannins in either the ethanolic extract, fraction(s) or both.