ABSTRACT
This research investigated the phytochemical screening, antimicrobial activity, proximate analysis and elemental analysis of the methanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves and its effect on tooth ache. The leaves of A. cordifolia were extracted with methanol and the extract was screened for basic phytchemicals and subjected to antibacterial assay against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Esherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans spp. Agar well diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial activity of the extract. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of glycosides, saponins, Reducing sugar, flavonoid, phenolic compound, eugenols, terpnoid, alkaloid, steroids. A clear zone of microbial inhibition was observed for the Pseudomonas spp by the extract as compared to other control drug (gentamycin). The zone of inhibition of antibacterial activity by the extract ranged from 1.0 - 13.5 mm for the Pseudomonas spp. Mineral elements investigation revealed the presence of zinc (Zn) 0.21 mg/kg, magnesium (Mg) 0.87 mg/kg, sodium (Na) 0.20 mg/kg, iron (Fe) 0.90 mg/kg, copper (Cu) 0.10 mg/kg, and potassium (K) 37.40 mg/kg respectively. The proximate analysis of the extract also revealed; moisture 15.4%, Ash 4.23%, crude fibre 17%, crude fat 13.2%, crude protein 13.3% respectively. The results of the study revealed that A. cordifolia extract possess high level of antibacterial activity much likely against the Pseudomonas mutans spp, this gives credence to several health application of the plant extract for treating infections.
