ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF POD, LEAF AND ROOT EXTRACT OF Tetrapleura tetraptera ( Gum tree)

ABSTRACT

Tetrapleura tetraptera which is commonly known as Aridan tree in Southern Nigeria belongs to the Mimosaceae family. It contains important bio active compounds and phytochemicals that are responsible for the plant’s antibacterial and medicinal properties. This study was carried out to determine the antibacterial synergistic effect of pod, leaf and root extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera on the bacteria isolates obtained from Suya. Morphological characterization, Gram 8 staining, Citrate test, Sugar Fermentation Test, Oxidase test and other confirmatory tests were done using standard microbiological methods. Bacterial isolates were confirmed to be: Klebisella oxytoca, Enterobacter aerogenes., Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Phytochemical screening of the plant extracts (pod, leaf and root) were carried out using maceration methods. Antimicrobial sensitivity tests and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration were determined using the disc diffusion method. This study showed the absence of tannin, the presence of saponin, terpenoids, phenols and alkanoids in all three extracts with an exception of flavonoids which were only present in the leaf extracts. The antimicrobial activities of the ethanoic extract of pod, leaf and root of Tetrapleura tetraptera with Ciprofloxacin on Klebsiella oxytoca was 9.33mm at 100.00% while for Bacillus subtilis, it was 8.33mm at 100.00% and 6.67mm at 75.00%. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the ethanoic extract with ciprofloxacin on Klebisella oxytoca and Bacillus subtilis was shown to be 100.00% and 75.00% respectively. Microbial contamination of Suya may come from the poor sanitary conditions around the process of Suya preparation, Suya vendors , Suya equipment, non- sterile packaging materials as well as exposure to air micro flora and flies. In order to achieve a sustainable safety quality for vended Suya there is need for education and awareness campaigns for processors, vendors and consumers on the role of personal hygiene in food safety and the imminent risk of consuming contaminated Suya.