Antimicrobial and Phytochemical Evaluation of Calotropis procera (“SODOM APPLE”) against Human Pathogens

Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial and phytochemical effects of acetone, ethanol, methanol and aqueous leaf extracts of Calotropis procera on human pathogens.

Study Design: Five pathogenic and two fungi species were obtained from the Department of Biological Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti and were evaluated in in vitro antibacterial testing.

Methodology: We studied the in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity of C. procera by well in agar diffusion method. Also studied was the extract durability to ascertain expiration after preparation and the phytochemical constituents of the extracts by chemical methods.

Results: The results revealed that acetone extract exhibited the highest antimicrobial properties on the test organisms followed by methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts in that order. However, Morganella morgani was the most inhibited by the solvent extracts with zone of inhibition 45, 56, 59 and 43 mm by acetone, methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of acetone extract on bacteria species was between 25.0 and 100 mg/ml and between 25 and 50 mg/ml on the fungal species. Minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations (MBC/MFC) of the extracts were valued at concentrations ranged from 50-100 mg/ml on the selected microorganisms. The durability study of the leaf extracts in consistent sensitivity pattern was potentially effective for 57-66 days. Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extract showed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, tarpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics and carotenoids. The results provide a partial support for the use of C. procera in traditional medicine.