Nutrient Analysis and Antimicrobial Activities of the Leaves and Fruit Pulp Extracts of Tetrapluera tetraptera on Clinical Bacteria Isolates

Abstract

Introduction: Plants are known to contain numerous phytochemicals with potential antimicrobial activity. Aim: Nutritional, phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of the leaves and the fruit pulp extracts of Tetrapluera tetraptera was carried out. Methodology: Collection and identification of isolates and plants parts, and preparation of extracts and nutrient (proximate, vitamins and minerals and anti-nutrients) evaluations were all done using standard protocols previously reported. Evaluations of phytochemicals were carried out using crude screening, quantification and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometer for a              robust analysis. Antimicrobial activities were evaluated using the standard disc method and chloramphenicol as control. Results: The results revealed varying amounts of proximate nutrients (ash, fibre, moisture, carbohydrate, protein and fat) in both samples. Vitamin analysis showed the presence of vitamin A, total and soluble vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin in both samples. Furthermore, both samples had minerals such as Na, K, CA, P, Mg, Zn, Fe, and Cu, and K, Na, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn and Cu in order of decreasing abundance in the fruit pulp and leaves, respectively. Both samples showed the presence of permissible levels of anti-nutrients compared to edible vegetables. Using all three methods, several phytochemicals such as terpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenol, organic and fatty acids, amongst other in various amounts were obtained in the samples. Antimicrobial activities against identified clinical isolates used in this study which were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus spp with both extracts ranged from 12.78±0.03 to 17.34±0.34 mm. Conclusion: Given the rising cases of antimicrobial resistance and absence of newer antibiotics, the antimicrobial activity of our study plant is worth further evaluations.