Phytochemical, Proximate, In-vitro Antimalarial and Antimicrobial screening of leaf Extracts of Justicia carnea Lindl
C. E. Anarado *
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 420110, Anambra State, Nigeria.
V. I. E. Ajiwe
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 420110, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. J. O. Anarado
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 420110, Anambra State, Nigeria.
O. F. Obumselu
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 420110, Anambra State, Nigeria.
T. U. Onuegbu
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 420110, Anambra State, Nigeria.
S. E. Okafor
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 420110, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To study the phytochemical, proximate, antimicrobial and anti-malarial activities of leaf extracts of Justicia carnea
Methods: The leaf sample of Justicia carnea which has been used in Nigeria folklore in treating malaria, cancer and many other diseases was extracted with methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane. The extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, proximate, anti-malarial and antimicrobial screening.
Results: The results showed that alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds were present. Ethy acetate extract also exhibited the highest suppression against malaria parasite in-vitro, more than chloroquine. This inhibition and high abundance of alkaloids and glycosides gave credence to the therapeutic use of the plant as anti-malaria drug. The three extracts showed a concentration-dependent inhibition against S. aureus, Aspergillus spp and Bacillus spp. S. typhi, K. pneumonia, P. aerogenosa and C. albicans were resistant in all concentrations of the extracts.
Conclusion: The therapeutic use of the leaves of J. carnea in treatment of malaria was validated. Its antimicrobial activity was also affirmed in some of the tested organisms.
Keywords: Justicia carnea, anti-plasmodium, phytochemical, proximate, antimicrobial.