Abstract

Adeyanju Olusola *, Olajide Olutayo , Afolayan Michael , Fatokun Olakunle , Edah A. O

The phytochemical analysis, elemental analysis, antimicrobial activities and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Cassia arereh Del. were carried out. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, saponins, glycosides, tannins, carbohydrates and terpenes. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), Manganese (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn). Manganese was present at a higher concentration (11.50 µg/g) followed by Zinc (3.35 µg/g). Antimicrobial studies showed that the ethanolic extract had considerable inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogen, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysentery and Eschenchia coli. Ethanolic extract had higher zone of inhibition (32 mm) against salmonella typhi at (0.5 µg/ml) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 8 x 102 µg/ml. The MIC ranges from 4 x 10 2 µg/ml to 5 x 104 µg/ml for other bacteria.