Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Commiphora kerstingii

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of aqueous and methanolic crude extracts of Commiphora kerstingii leaves were investigated. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of different solvent extracts of Commiphora kerstingii plant were scrutinized. The phytochemical screening of the various extracts was carried out using standard methods and the results revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, tannins, saponins and volatile oils. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was screened using hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging assay to obtain an IC50 value. The IC50 values of ascorbic acid (standard drug), methanolic and aqueous extracts were 0.49, 0.33 and 0.54 mg/ml, respectively. The antibacterial activity was tested using Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis. The results showed reasonable zones of inhibition at almost all concentrations used against tested organisms; with Streptococcus mutans being most inhibited (diameter of inhibition of 23 mm) and Escherichia coli being least inhibited (3mm) with the methanolic extract. In contrast, Escherichia coli was the most inhibited (8 mm) and Streptococcus mutans showed least inhibition (3 mm) in the presence of aqueous extract. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.05 g/ml on the average. The results, thus support the use of the plant traditionally to treat dental caries, diarrhea, and urinary tract infection, and suggest its usage in the formulation of new antioxidant and antibacterial drugs.