ABSTRACT

The powdered Spondias mombin seed were screened for the presence of phytochemicals and also tested against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus to determine possible antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, reducing sugars, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids while tannins, terpenoids and proteins were absent in the seed. In order to determine possible antimicrobial activity, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) were determined and the results revealed that at a concentration of 25 mg/mL, the methanol extract of the Spondias mombin seedwas very effective against Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as these bacteria were seen to be sensitive at this concentration. Candida albicans and Escherichia coli, on the other hand were resistant at this concentration. At an increased concentration of 50 mg/mL, Candida albicans became sensitive. Staphylococcus aureus was also sensitive but had a reduced sensitivity. Proteus vulgaris became resistant at this concentration while Pseudomonas aeruginosa remained resistant. Further increase in concentration (75 mg/mL) showed an increased sensitivity by Candida albicans. Conversely the other bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus were all resistant at this concentration. A final increase in concentration (100 mg/mL) showed an increased sensitivity by Candida albicans while Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus remained resistant. This property of hindering the growth and killing off some bacteria at certain concentrations is an affirmation of the antimicrobial activity of methanol extract of the Spondias mombin seed.