Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Screening of Cola gigantea Leaves, Stem and Bark

Phytochemical and antimicrobial analysis were carried out on the leaves, stem and bark extracts of Cola gigantea. The Phytochemicals present in the plant were Flavonoid, Tannins, Alkaloid, Cardiac glycoside, Steroids, Terpenoids and phenol. Flavonoid, Alkaloid and steroids were present in high amount in the plant than the other phytochemicals. For antimicrobial screening, the well-in-agar diffusion method was employed and the various zones of inhibition produced by the extract of the various plant parts on Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were observed and recorded in millimeters (mm). The leaves of the plant had highest antimicrobial activities on Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, while the stem had highest antimicrobial activity on Candida albicans. The observed antimicrobial activity of the extract suggests its potential use in the treatment of diseases produced by the various test pathogenic microorganisms.