Antimicrobial and phytochemical screening of Icacina trichantha

Ethanol and water extracts of Icacina trichantha leaves were screened for their phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus spp, Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumonia. The result indicated that alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and phenols were present in the plant part. Both the ethanol extract and the water extract were active against all the microorganisms. The ethanol extract was more active than the water extract. This attest to the fact that Icacina trichantha leaves contains bioactive compounds of potentially therapeutic significance and thus could be a promissory candidate for drug development and validates folkloric claim by the traditional healers. Keyword: Icacina Trichantha, Ethanol, Extracts, Phytochemicals, Microorganisms, Drugs