Potential of Ziziphus spina-christi seed ethanolic extract on inhibition of microbial growth

The antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Ziziphus spina-christi leaves were examined using agar disc diffusion method against five bacteria (Streptococcus feacalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). These extracts had inhibitory activity at various stages of germination;1st stage has inhibitory activity of 22 mm against Streptococcus feacalis followed by Staphylococcus aureus with 20 mm and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 15 mm. 2nd stage has inhibitory activity of 15 mm against Streptococcus feacalis followed by14 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with 10 mm. 1st and 2nd stages had activity on Streptococcus feacalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but no activities on the rest of the microorganisms. 3rd and 4th stages had no inhibitory activities against all the tested micro-organisms. The inhibitory activities of the ethanolic extract of Z. spina-christi on the tested microorganisms confirmed the local use of the plant for treatment of some ailments traditionally.