ABSTRACT

The antibacterial activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Gongronenia laqfoiiwn and Ocimum gralissimum on E. coli and Salmonella lyphi were determined using disc diffusion method. The antibacterial effect of aqueous extracts of Gongronemna latifolium was negative on both test organisms and the aqueous extracts of Ocimnumn gratissimnumn showed very little zone of inhibition on F. co/i (3. 00mm) diameter and on Salmonella (2.00mm) diameter. Ethanolic extracts of both Gongronema and Ocimum gratissinnim showed also little zone of inhibition on E. co/i and Salmonella lyphi which was not greater than (3.00mm) diameter. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) evaluated with both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ocimnum and Gongronema of various concentrations observed, did not show any zone of inhibition. The result suggested that the extracts have low potential for use in the treatment of enteric disease caused by pathogenic bacteria. and female sterilization (Iwu, 1986). It is believed to aid uterine contraction and is applied as an abortifacient (Smith et al., 1996). Many plants extracts have shown to acquire antibacterial properties active against many microorganisms inside the body or invitro for example, Garcink biflavonone have been found to be active against a wild variety of microorganism like Salmonella, Escherichia coiL Staphylococcus (Iwu, 1993). Garcinia is also used in treatment of liver disorder bronchiotitis as a chewing stick and throat infections (Lamidi et al., 1995). The root of Nauclea latjfolia smith (Rubiacea) has antibacterial activity against grampositive and gram-negative bacteria and antifungal activity (Iwu, 1993). It is most effective against Coryne bacterium diphtheriae, Streptobacilius spp. Streptococcus spp. Nesseria spp. Pseudoinona aeruginosa and Salmonella spp. (Deeni and Hussan, 1991). Some extracts of green pepper, garlic and onion have been noticed to inhibit the growth of Shigeila dysenteria, Salmonella lyphiosa (Sofowora, 1983). Beneficially, they are used to impart colour and flavour and enhance, palatability and preservation on food. (Langer et al, 1998). In as much as it is Gongronema latfolium (Asclepiadaceae) and Ocimum gratissum (lamiaceae .L.) are traditionally dietary and medicinal herb in Nigeria. They are mainly consumed as spice, flavorants, stimulants and vegetable (Morebise et al., 2002)