Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Ziziphus spina-christi Stem Barks

Abstract

This study was carried out in Khartoum State, during December 2017 The plant of Ziziphus spina-christi belong to family Rhamnaceae and locally known as Cedar, it was chosen for this study because of its using traditionally in treatment of many diseases. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) approach had been used to the dried sample at 170°C to reduce both time and extraction solvent volume, and to decrease the damage of bioactive compounds without extending the period of extraction. 20 g of sample was soaked with Petroleum ether, Ethyl-acetate, ethanol, methanol and distilled water for 72 hour. The extracts were concentrated using rotary evaporator at 40°C and were stored at 4°C. The phytochemical screening were carried out on different extracts of Ziziphus spina-christi stem bark and they showed to contain high amount of Tannins (4+ in all extracts), moderate amount of flavonoids and Triterpenes, trace amount of coumarins and Alkaloids and high amount of Saponins, Anthraquinones and Cardiac glycosides. The antimicrobial activity of extracts were evaluated against four standard bacteria species (gram positive; Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and (gram negative; Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa; in addition of one standard fungi (Candida albicans). The results of antimicrobial tests indicated that the methanolic extract inhibited the growth of all microorganisms and most extracts showed several points of antimicrobial activity. These findings act as platform to assist in cure of bacterial and fungal infections.