Phytochemical Screening, Liver Toxicity and Antibacterial Properties of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of a Local Herbal Mixture “Aju Mbaise” doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v4i6.5

Abstract

Aju Mbaise is a local herb with different combination of plant leaves and stem, which has several health benefits. The aim of this research was to study the phytochemical properties, liver toxicity and antibacterial activity of Aju Mbaise. The crude aqueous and ethanol extracts of Aju Mbaise were screened for their phytochemicals using standard methods. The antibacterial potential of Aju Mbaise was evaluated using agar well diffusion methods. The haematological, biochemical and the hepatotoxic effect on rats fed with Aju Mbaise decoction were also investigated. The results of the phytochemical screening of Aju Mbaise ethanol and aqueous extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycoside, and coumarins. The ethanol extract of Aju Mbaise had antibacterial activity at 0.2 g/mL with 8 mm zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli, while at 2 g/mL, the ethanol extract had 25 mm inhibition zone against Proteus sp. The aqueous extract of Aju Mbaise had antibacterial activity at 0.2 g/mL with 8 mm zone of inhibition against Klebsiella sp, while at 2 g/mL the aqueous extract had 25 mm zone of inhibition against Salmonella sp. There was significant weight reducing effect on rats fed with Aju Mbaise decoction (loss of weight from 180 g in week one to 50 g in week six). Administration of the herbal decoction also showed signs of liver toxicity in the rats. In conclusion, the study has shown that Aju Mbaise extract has antibacterial activity and may potentially be toxic to the liver on chronic administration.