Effects of Separation on the Phytochemical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts and a Fraction of the African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) Leaves

Abstract

The leaves of the African Mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) parasitic on Kola acuminata in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria were studied. The crude petroleum ether (CPE) extract, ethanol extract of the CPE residue (EER) and ethylacetate residue fraction of CPE (C) were separated into bands using thin layer chromatography (TLC) technique. The CPE, EER and C chromatographic bands of the Loranthus micranthus Linn leaves were subjected to phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluation. Results of the phytochemical screening showed that the bands of CPE and EER afforded tannins, steroids and terpenes while that of C had tannins and terpenes only. Results of the antimicrobial activity revealed that CPE band 1 had an activity against Staphylococcus aureus while EER bands 1 and 2 were active against Bacillus subtilis. Band 1 of C alone was active against Bacillus subtilis, however, all the bands of C when combined had increased activity against other susceptible organisms suggesting synergism among the bands. The highest inhibition was noted in EER band 1 (20.30) while the least inhibition was observed in C band 2. Some of the band fractions showed lower activity while some showed similar level of activity when compared with the extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the bands and that of the gentamycin ranged from 0.005 ?g/ml – 0.2791 ?g/ml.

Keywords: Chromatographic band fractions, thin layer chromatography, antimicrobial activity, phytochemicals and separation.