Content uploaded by Alian Désiré Afagnigni
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Alian Désiré Afagnigni on Sep 02, 2020
Content may be subject to copyright.
© 2020. Afagnigni A.D., Nkonpa R.K. & Mofor C.T. This is a research/review paper, distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/), permitting all non-
commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Radical
Scavenging Properties of Methanol Extracts of
Dracaena
Deisteliana
(Dracaenaceae) and
Sporobolus Indicus
(Poaceae)
By Afagnigni A.D., Nkonpa R.K. & Mofor C.T.
University of Yaounde I, Cameroon
Abstract-
Dracaena deisteliana and Sporobolus indicus are medicinal plants with broad use in
Cameroonian folk medicine to treat several infectious diseases. This study aimed to investigate
the phytochemical composition, the antimicrobial and antiradical properties of methanol extracts
of the leaves, stem and whole plant of D. deisteliana, and S. indicus. The phytochemical test was
undertaken using standard methods. Agar well diffusion was used for sensitivity test while the
microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) and
the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MBCs/MFCs). The antiradical property of the
plant extracts was performed using the 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay.
GJMR-B Classification: NLMC Code: QV 704
PhytochemicalAnalysisAntimicrobialandRadicalScavengingPropertiesofMethanolExtractsofDracaenaDeistelianaDracaenaceaeandSporobolusIndicusPoaceae
Strictly as per the compliance and regulations of:
Global Journal of Medical Research: B
Pharma, Drug Discovery, Toxicology & Medicine
Volume 20 Issue 6 Version 1.0 Year 2020
Type: Double Blind Peer Reviewed International Research Journal
Publisher: Global Journals Inc. (USA)
Online ISSN: 2249-4618 &Print ISSN: 0975-5888
Keywords: Dracaena deisteliana, Sporobolus indicus, phytochemical, antibacterial, antifungal,
antiradical.
41
Year 2020
Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XX Issue VI Version I
(DDDD)
B
©20
20 Global Journals
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial, and Radical
Scavenging Properties of Methanol Extracts of
Dracaena Deisteliana (Dracaenaceae) and
Sporobolus Indicus (Poaceae)
Afagnigni A.D. α,Nkonpa R.K.σ&Mofor C.T. ρ
Abstract-Dracaena deisteliana
and
Sporobolus indicus
are
medicinal plants with broad use in Cameroonian folk medicine
to treat several infectious diseases. This study aimed to
investigate the phytochemical composition, the antimicrobial
and antiradical properties of methanol extracts of the leaves,
stem and whole plant of
D. deisteliana,
and
S. indicus.
The
phytochemical test was carried out using standard methods.
Agar well diffusion was used for sensitivity tests, while the
minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs) and the minimum
bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations(MBCs/MFCs) were
determined through microdilution method. The antiradical
property of the plant extractswas investigated using the 2.2-
diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)scavenging assay. The
results revealed the presence of phenols, saponins,
terpenoids, anthraquinones, alkaloids, and flavonoids in all the
extracts.
D. deisteliana
extracts inhibited the growth of six
bacteria strainswith the inhibition zones varying from 8.50 ±
0.28 to 18.00 ± 00 mm and the MIC values ranging between
6.25 and 100 mg/mL. The leaf extract of
D. deisteliana
exhibited ahigher effect on
Klebsiella oxytoca
and
Escherichia
coli
with the MIC of 6.25 mg/mL. The stem and whole plant
extracts showed similar activities on
Escherichia coli
and
Enterobacter cloacae
.
S. indicus
was most active on
Acinetobacter sp
and
Bacillus cereus
.
D. deisteliana
stem
extract exhibited higher activity with EC50 of 491 µg/mL, while
S. indicus
showed an EC50 of 550.5 µg/mL. This study
indicates that
D. deisteliana
and
S. indicus
possess
antimicrobial and antiradical compounds and provides
scientific evidence for their traditional uses to treat several
infections.
Keywords: Dracaena deisteliana, Sporobolus indicus,
phytochemical, antibacterial, antifungal, antiradical.
Corresponding Author α:PhD. Researcher, Department of
Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I; PO BOX: 812
Yaounde, Cameroon. e-mail: afagnigni2007@yahoo.fr
Author σ:PhD. Senior Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences,
Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Yaounde I. PO BOX:
812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Author ρ:PhD. Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry,
Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I. PO BOX: 812 Yaounde,
Cameroon. e-mail: cteugwa@yahoo.fr
I. Background
nfectious diseases remain a serious public health
concern worldwide [1]. Despite the significant
increase in the comprehension of the pathogenesis
and management of infectious diseases, they remain
one of the causes of mortality and morbidity,particularly
in developing countries [2]. The indiscriminate use of
antimicrobials and the poor management of infections
lead to a new upsurge in theloss of drugs and the
increase of resistant pathogenic microorganisms in
recent years [3]. Approximately 700,000 people died
yearly due to antibiotic resistance,and an estimated 10
million lives may be at risk by 2050 if nothing is done to
solve the problem of antimicrobial resistance [4]. This
situation increases the frequency of therapeutic failures
and leadsto economic liability, coupled with the
undesired side effects of synthetic antimicrobials which
complicate treatment [5].
During infection, highly reactive free radical and
oxygen species are produced. This leadsto high
oxidative stress,which can provoke cancer, auto-
immune, degenerative, and cardiovascular diseases [6].
Synthetic antioxidantswidely used in cosmetics, food,
and therapeutic industries are being restricted due to
their carcinogenicity [7]. At the time, the current steroidal
and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs present
adverse side effects [8]. The need to challenge these
problems,coupled with the limited number of drugs,
motivates the intensive searches for novel, effective, and
affordable medicines from different sources [9].
Herbal products are extensively used in African
traditional medicine to manage various illnesses [10].
Natural products from plants have been recognized as a
reservoir of novel drugs with possible new mechanisms
of action [11-13]. The use of medicinal plants is
increasing worldwide, especially in advanced countries
where many people rely on plants as primary healthcare
modality due to limited access to modern medicine [15,
16].
Dracaena deisteliana belongs to the family of
Dracaenaceae,which includes more than480 species
distributed,principally in tropical and sub-tropical
I
42
Year 2020
Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XX Issue VI Version I
(DDDD)
B
©20
20 Global Journals
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Radical Scavenging Properties of Methanol Extracts of
Dracaena Deisteliana
(Dracaenaceae) and
Sporobolus Indicus
(Poaceae)
regions [17]. The resin of D. deisteliana is used in Arab
medicinal tradition to treat diarrhea, fracture, stomach,
intestinal fever, and toothache [18]. In Cameroon, D.
deisteliana leaf is used to treat infertility [19] and typhoid
[20]. The stem is used to treat toothache [21].In
Nigeria, this plant is used to treat cough [22]. The
pharmacological properties of D. deisteliana include the
antileishmania, anti molluscoidal, antimalarial,
antibacterial, and antifungal activities [20, 23]. The
phytochemical studies of D. deisteliana lead to the
isolation of numerous compounds with biological
properties [24, 25].
S. indicus belonging to the family of Poaceae is
a perennial grass that grows in dense tufts. It is
represented by approximately 45 species that generally
grow in tropical and sub-tropical regions all over the
world [26]. The sirup of S. indicus prepared with fruits is
used to fight chronic diarrhea. The astringent bark
decoction of S. indicus is a medicine against scabies,
ulcers, and dysentery. The leaves and bark are used as
afebrifuge [27]. However, phytochemical and biological
activities of these plants are less or not investigated.
Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the
phytochemical composition, the antibacterial and
antifungal, and the radical scavenging properties of D.
deisteliana and S. indicus.
II. Materials and Methods
a) Collection and Identification of Plant Materials
D. deisteliana and S. indicus plant materials
(Figure 1) were collected at Ngousso-Yaounde in the
Centre region of Cameroon in April 2012 and May 2013,
respectively. The plant identification was made at the
Cameroon National Herbarium by comparison with
specimen number 55004/HNC (Dracaena deisteliana)
and 15719/SRF Cam (Sporobolus indicus).
Figure 1: Photographs of selected plants: (A) Dracaena deisteliana and (B) Sporobolus indicus
b) Preparation of Methanol Extracts
The different parts and the whole plant of D.
deisteliana and S. indicus were air-dried during two
weeks at shade at room temperature. The samples were
ground separately in a mortar,and 500 g of dried
powder of each sample were soaked for 72 h in
methanol (1:10 w/v) with constant stirrings. The resulting
supernatant was filtered through Whatman no.1 filter
paper and concentrated using a rotary evaporator at
55°C. The resultant extracts were transferred into pre-
weighed labeled glass vials. The process was repeated
twice on the marc to exhaustively extract the plant
material. The extraction yield of each plant extract was
determined by dividing the total extracted mass by dried
plant mass used for extraction. Resultant extracts were
air-dried and kept at 4°C for further use.
c) Phytochemical Screening
Qualitative methods were used to determine
different classes of phytochemicals (phenolic
compound, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, anthocyanins,
terpenoids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides,
phlobatannins, and flavonoids),as previously described
by Trease and Evans [28], and Sofowora [29].
d) Antimicrobial Assays
i. Microbial Strains and Culture Media
Twelve bacteria including ten Gram-negative
(Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella
pneumoniae, Morganella morganii, Bacillus cereus,
Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Citrobacter freundii,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter sp) and two
Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and
Streptococcus faecalis) and four yeasts (Candida
albicans,Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, and
43
Year 2020
Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XX Issue VI Version I
(DDDD)
B
©20
20 Global Journals
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Radical Scavenging Properties of Methanol Extracts of
Dracaena Deisteliana
(Dracaenaceae) and
Sporobolus Indicus
(Poaceae)
Cryptococcus neoformans).These clinical isolates were
obtained as a donation from the Laboratory of
Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde
I. All strains were cultured 24 h on Mueller Hinton Agar
(MHA) for bacteria and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA)
for fungi before any test. The Mueller Hinton broth
(MHB) and Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) were used
as liquid medium for the determination of the minimum
inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the minimum
bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MBCs/MFCs).
Gentamicin 1 mg/mL (bacteria) and Fluconazole 100
mg/mL (fungi) were used as positive control.
ii. Preparation of Microbial Inoculum
The microbial inoculum was prepared using a
direct colony suspension method. Suspensions of
bacteria and yeasts were prepared in normal saline from
24 h grown on fresh MHA or SDA at 37°C. The bacterial
suspension formed was adjusted with a
spectrophotometer to a McFarland standard of 0.5,
which is approximately 1.5 x108CFU/mL. The turbidity
of fungal strains was adjusted to a standard of 0.9 to
give 1-5 x 107CFU/mL. Each suspension was then
diluted 1:100 by transferring 0.1 mL of the bacterial
suspension to 9.9 mLof sterile MHB while preparing for
experiments [30].
iii. Agar Well Diffusion Assay for Antibacterial Screening
The antibacterial activity was performed using
the agar well diffusion method according to the modified
Kirby Bauer diffusion technique [31]. The agar plates
were swabbed with overnight bacterial suspensionsof
each strain. Then, wells were bored into the agar
medium with heat sterilized 6 mm cork borer. A 75 μLof
the methanolic extracts (100 mg/mL) was dispensed
into the wells, and the plates were left for 30 min before
being incubated for 24 h at 37 °C. Each zone of
inhibition around the wells was measured using a vernier
caliper.
iv. Determination of the minimum inhibitory
concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal/
fungicidal concentrations (MBCs/MFCs) of the plant
extracts
The MICsvalues of the plant extracts for
bacteria and yeasts were determined using serial
dilution microplate methods[32, 33]. Two-fold serial
dilution of the extract (dissolved in MHB or SDB) was
made in a 96-wellsmicroplate for a final concentration
ranging from 100 to 97.65 x 10-3 mg/mL. An equal
volume (100 µL) of the 1.5 x106CFU/mL bacterial
inoculum or 1-5 x 105CFU/mL fungal inoculum prepared
in MHB or SDB was then added. The plates were
covered with a sterile plate sealer and then incubated for
24 h at 37°C (48 h for fungi). After incubation, 40 μLof
2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride 0.01 % w/v (TTC) was
added in each well of the plates and incubated for 30
min at 37°C. The MIC, defined as the lowest sample
concentration that prevented the growth of the bacteria,
was then detected by any observed colorchange. The
MBCs/MFCs of each fraction were determined by sub-
culturing the sample (50 μL) taken from the wells without
growth during MIC determination to 150 μLof MHB or
SDB. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 h (72 h
for fungi). The MBC (or MFC) was regarded as the
lowest concentration of extracts with the absence of
growth that prevented the colorchange of the medium
after the addition of TTC as mentioned above.
e) Free Radical Scavenging Assay
The DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)
radical-scavenging potential of D. deisteliana and S.
indicus extracts was determined following a modified
method of Brand-Willians et al.[34]. A 10 μLof each
extract prepared in methanol at different concentrations
was added into 1990 μLof DPPH solution (0.04 mg/mL)
in different tubes for final concentrations of 5 µg/mL; 10
µg/mL; 15 µg/mL; 20 µg/mL; 25 µg/mL; 30 µg/mL. After
vortexing, the tubes were kept in the darkness at room
temperature for 30 min. The absorbance at 517 nm was
taken. The percentage inhibition was calculated from
[(A0-A1)/A0] x 100, where A0is the absorbance of the
control at 30 min (DPPH solution),and A1is the
absorbance of the extract/reference. Ascorbic acid was
used as a reference.The inhibition curves were
prepared,and EC50 (Efficient concentration of the
sample (g) to scavenge 50 % of the DPPH free radical)
values were calculated.
f) Statistical Analysis
Data were represented as mean ± standard
deviation (SD) of three replicates and subjected to one
way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the Fisher test
at the threshold of p ˂0.05 with Stat graphics plus 5.0
for windows. Linear regression analysis was used to
calculate EC50 values. Microsoft Excel was used to enter
and capture data.
III. Results and Discussion
a) Extraction Yields of the Plant Extracts
The plant material was extracted using
methanol as solvent.The highest yield was obtained
with D. deisteliana leaf extract (8.89 %). The least yield of
extraction was obtained with S. indicus extract (3.46 %)
(Table 1). It has been shown that the type of solvent
used in extraction procedure determines the success of
isolated compounds from the plant material [35]. The
yield of extraction of the stem extract of D. deisteliana
was 5.63,which is higher than 0.95 previously obtained
by Kougan et al. [25].
44
Year 2020
Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XX Issue VI Version I
(DDDD)
B
©20
20 Global Journals
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Radical Scavenging Properties of Methanol Extracts of
Dracaena Deisteliana
(Dracaenaceae) and
Sporobolus Indicus
(Poaceae)
Table 1: Yield percentage (%) of different extracts of plants used in the study
Plant Part used Solvent used Yield of extraction (%)
D. deisteliana
Leaf Methanol 8.89
Stem Methanol 5.63
Whole plant Methanol 6.37
S. indicus Whole plant Methanol 3.46
b) Phytochemical Screening
The results of the phytochemical screening
carried out with the crude extracts of D. deisteliana and
S. indicus are presented in Table 2. Results showed that
all extracts are rich in phenols, saponins,
anthraquinones, and alkaloids. Terpenoids and
flavonoids were present at a moderate level in the stem
and whole plant extracts of D. deisteliana,while
abundant amount was found in the leaf extract. It has
been shown that plants belonging to the genus
Dracaena contain steroidal saponins and flavonoids [36,
37]. The phytochemical investigations of D. deisteliana
leaf extract by Kougan et al. [25]reported the presence
of steroidal saponins and saponins. Anthocyanins and
tannins were found in the crude extracts of S. indicus. In
a previous study,it has been reported that S. indicus is
rich in tannins [27]. Several classes of secondary
metabolites found in these plant extracts have been
reported to posses’ antimicrobial activities [38-40].
Table 2: Phytochemical composition of D. deisteliana and S. indicus extracts
Plant constituents
D. deisteliana S. indicus
Leaf Stem Whole plant
Phenolic Ferric chloride test + + + +
Potassium dichromate + + + +
Tannins Ferric chloride test - - - +
Anthocyanins Ammonia HCl test - - - +
Saponins Frothing test + + + +
Flavonoids Alkaline reagent test+++ ++ ++ +
Lead acetate test + + + +
Alkaloids Tannic acid test + + + +
Mayer’s test + + + +
Wagner’s test + + + +
Terpenoids Salowski test +++ ++ ++ +
Anthraquinones Borntrager’s test + + + +
Glycosides (Free sugar) Legal’s test - - - -
Cardiac glycosides
Phlobatanins
Killer Killani test
Hydrochloride test
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
+++ = abundant; ++ = moderate ; + present ; -completely absent
c) Diameter of Inhibition Zones
The presence of inhibition zones after
incubation showed that the Gram-positive, Gram-
negative, and fungi isolates exhibited a varied degree of
susceptibility to each of the plant extracts that can be
considered as a plant with a broad spectrum of activity
(Table 3). Considering the susceptibility of the isolates to
D. deisteliana, the inhibition zones ranged between 8.5
± 0.28 (K. pneumoniae) and 15 ± 0.57 mm (K. oxytoca
and E. coli) for the leaf extract while no activity was
noted on B. cereus and P. aeruginosa. In the previous
report, the leaf extract of D. deisteliana exhibited the
inhibition zones of 8.5 ± 00 mm (80 mg/mL) and 12 ±
00 mm (160 mg/mL) on S. typhi [20]. The stem extract
45
Year 2020
Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XX Issue VI Version I
(DDDD)
B
©20
20 Global Journals
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Radical Scavenging Properties of Methanol Extracts of
Dracaena Deisteliana
(Dracaenaceae) and
Sporobolus Indicus
(Poaceae)
Table 3: Inhibition zone (mm) of plant extracts against some bacteria species
Sample
Microorganism
D. deisteliana
S. indicus
Gentamicin
Leaf Stem Whole plant
E. cloacae12 ± 1a18 ± 0.0b16.5 ± 0.5b9± 0.0c28 ± 0.0d
K. pneumoniae 8.5 ± 0.5a11 ± 0.0b9.5 ± 0.5a0 ± 0.0c30 ± 0.0d
S. faecalis 0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a25 ± 0.0b
S.aureus 0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a27 ± 0.0b
K. oxytoca 15a11 ± 1b14 ± 2a0 ± 0.0c27 ± 0.0d
Acinetobacter sp 0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a14 ± 075b23.33 ± 0.57c
E. coli 15 ± 1a13 ± 1a18 ± 0.0b7 ± 0.0c23.33 ± 0.57d
P. vulgaris 0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a8 ± 0.0b21 ± 0.0c
P. aeruginosa 0± 0.0a12.5 ± 0.5b11 ± 0.0b0 ± 0.0a28 ± 0.0c
M. morganii 0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a9 ± 0.0b29.67 ± 0.57c
C. freundii0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a0 ± 0.0a7 ± 1b26.67 ± 1.15c
B. cereus 0 ± 0.0a12.5 ± 1.5b14 ± 1b12 ± 0.0b23 ± 0.0c
The results are expressed as means ± standard deviation of three determinations. Values with different lettersin the same line
are significantly different at p˂0.05.
d) Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations(MICs) and
Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentrations
(MBCs/MFCs)
In this study, the extracts obtained from both
the plant extracts displayed varying antimicrobial
activities according to their MICs (6.25-50 mg/mL for
bacteria and 1.56-50 mg/mL for yeasts) as reported in
Table 4. The leaf and the whole plant extracts of
D. deisteliana were the most active (MIC = 6.25 mg/mL)
against E. cloacae and E. coli (Gram-negative) while
both bacteria had the same degree of susceptibility
(MIC = 50 mg/mL) to the stem extract. The whole
extract of S. indicus (MIC = 6.25 mg/mL) had
remarkable activity against B. cereus (Gram-positive).
The sensitivity of Gram-negative and Gram-positive
bacteria could be due to the difference in their
membrane morphology [41]. The phospholipidic bilayer
of the outer membrane of bacteria is the target of
interactions with antimicrobial compounds. Damages
on the bacterial membrane could increase permeability
to ions, the release of intracellular constituents,
deterioration of the enzymatic system of bacteria, and
even dead [42, 43]. All the tested extracts of D.
deisteliana were most active on C. albicans and C.
krusei (MIC = 1.56 µg/mL). A similar activity was
observed with the leaf and the whole-plant extracts on
C. parapsilosis.C. neofarmanshad the least
susceptibility (MIC = 50 µg/mL) to all the extracts of D.
deisteliana.The antimicrobial activity can be classified
as interesting (CMI < 100 μg/mL), moderate (100 < CMI
< 625 μg/mL) and weak (CMI ˃625 μg/mL)[44, 45].
Therefore, all the plant extracts have weak activity on the
tested microorganisms. The weak antibacterial activity
exhibited by all the plant extracts could be correlated to
the few amounts of secondary metabolites since it has
been proven that the concentration, the nature, and the
origin of active compounds present in plant extracts
may influence the antimicrobial activity [40, 46]. The
antimicrobial mechanism of active ingredients may vary
with species, chemical composition, cell wall
composition, and genetic material of each
microorganism [38, 41, 47].
According to Mims et al. [48], the leaves
extracts of D. deisteliana had abactericidal effect on S.
aureus, K. pneumoniae, B. cereus,and K. oxytoca.In
comparison, the stem extracts had bacteriostatic effect
on S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae, and E. coli.
The whole-plant extract of D. deisteliana exhibited a
bactericidal action on S. aureus, K. pneumonia, and B.
cereus. At the same time, the bacteriostatic effect was
was less active on K. pneumoniae with inhibition zone of
11 ± 00 mm and exhibited higher activity on E. cloacae
with inhibition zone of 18 ± 00 mm. The inhibition zones
varied between 9.5 ± 0.28 (K. pneumoniae) and 16.5 ±
0.28 mm (E. cloacae) for the whole plant extract. This
study provides additional data on the antimicrobial
activity of D. deisteliana. The whole extract of S. indicus
exhibited inhibition zones varying between 7 ± 00 (E.
coli) and 14 ± 0.43 mm (Acinetobacter spp). These
results revealed for the first time information on the
antimicrobial properties of S. indicus. Nevertheless, the
antibacterial activity of both the plant extracts was less
pronounced compared to the standard antibiotic
(gentamicin) with inhibition zones varying between 21 ±
00 and 29.67 ± 0.88 mm.
observed on K. oxytoca, E. cloacae,and E. coli. The
whole-plant extract of S. indicus exhibited a
bacteriostatic effect on K. pneumoniae, E. coli, B.
cereus,and P. vulgaris while the bactericidal effect was
observed on the rest. All the extracts of D. deisteliana
have a bactericidal effect on all the yeast strains used in
this study.
46
Year 2020
Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XX Issue VI Version I
(DDDD)
B
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Radical Scavenging Properties of Methanol Extracts of
Dracaena Deisteliana
(Dracaenaceae) and
Sporobolus Indicus
(Poaceae)
Table 4:Inhibition parameters (MICs, MBC/MFCs) of methanol extracts from D. deisteliana and S. indicus (mg/mL)
and reference drugs (µg/mL)
Microorganisms Parameters
D. deisteliana S.indicus
Ref*
Leaf Stem Whole plant
Bacteria S. aureus MIC 50 50 50 25 10
MBC 100 100 100 50 20
MBC/MIC 2 2 2 2 2
K. pneumoniae MIC 50 50 50 12.5 0.39
MBC 100 100 100 50 0.78
MBC/MIC 2 2 2 4 2
Acinetobacter spp MIC / / / 25 10
MBC / / / 25 20
MBC/MIC / / / 1 2
B. cereus MIC 25 25 25 6.250.19
MBC 50 100 50 25 0.39
MBC/MIC 2 4 2 4 2
K. oxytoca MIC 25 25 25 25 10
MBC 50 100 100 25 20
MBC/MIC 2 4 4 1 2
S. faecalis MIC / / / 50 10
MBC / / / 50 20
MBC/MIC / / / 1 2
E. coli MIC 6.25 12.5 6.2512.53.12
MBC 50 50 50 50 12.5
MBC/MIC 8 4 8 4 4
P. vulgaris MIC / / / 12.5 10
MBC / / / 50 20
MBC/MIC / / / 4 2
P. aeruginosa MIC / / / 50 10
MBC / / / 50 20
MBC/MIC / / / 1 2
M. morganii MIC / / / 50 5
MBC / / / 50 10
MBC/MIC / / / 1 2
C. freundi MIC / / / 25 10
MBC / / / 50 20
MBC/MIC / / / 2 2
E. cloacae MIC 6.25 12.5 6.2525 15.6
MBC 50 50 50 50 31.2
MBC/MIC 8 4 8 2 2
Yeasts C. albicans MIC 1.56 1.56 1.56 /0.78
MFC1.56 1.56 1.56 /0.78
MFC/MIC 1 1 1 / 1
C. krusei MIC 1.56 1.56 1.56 /0.39
MFC1.56 1.56 1.56 /0.39
MFC/MIC 1 1 1 / 1
C. parapsilosis MIC 1.56 50 1.56 /0.39
MFC3.12 100 3.12 /0.39
MFC/MIC 2 2 2 / 1
C. neofarmans MIC 50 50 50 /0.78
MFC50 100 50 /0.78
MFC/MIC 1 2 1 / 1
Legend: MIC = Minimal Inhibitory Concentration; MBC/MFC = Minimal Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentration; Ref* = reference
drugs: gentamicin (for bacteria) and fluconazole (for yeasts); / = Not determined
©20
20 Global Journals
47
Year 2020
Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XX Issue VI Version I
(DDDD)
B
©20
20 Global Journals
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Radical Scavenging Properties of Methanol Extracts of
Dracaena Deisteliana
(Dracaenaceae) and
Sporobolus Indicus
(Poaceae)
Figure 2:DPPH free radical scavenging activities of plant extracts. L: leaf; S: stem; WP: whole plant.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
% Inhibition
Concentration (µg/mL)
D. deisteliana L
D. deisteliana S
D. deisteliana WP
S. indicus
Ascorbic acid
e) Antiradical Properties of Plant Extracts
The free radicals scavenging properties of the
plant extracts are reported in Figure 2. The crude
extracts of D. deisteliana and S. indicus exhibited radical
scavenging properties in concentration-dependent
manners. The inhibition percentages of the stem (26 %)
and the whole plant extract of D. deisteliana (28 %) and
S. indicus (24 %) were most pronounced than that of the
leaf extract of D. deisteliana (14 %) at the concentration
of 1 mg/mL. The higher inhibition percentage was
observed with the stem extract of D. deisteliana (62 %)
at the concentration of 5.5 mg/mL. It can be observed
that the DPPH activity D. deisteliana and S. indicus
were found to be increasing in concentration-dependent
manner.
From each graph, the EC50 of each extract was
determined. The EC50 is the concentration of the
samples, which scavenges 50 % of free radicals. Figure
3 shows the scavenging activity of the crude extracts of
D. deisteliana and S. indicus in comparison with that of
ascorbic acid. The EC50 obtained showed that among
the crude extracts of D. deisteliana, the leaf extract
exhibited the lowest activity (646.75 µg/mL), while the
stem extract had the higher one (491 µg/mL). The whole
plant extract of S. indicus had an EC50 of 550.5 µg/mL,
while the EC50 value of the standard was found to be 411
µg/mL. Numerous previous studies show the correlation
between antiradical activity and the phenolic
compounds [49].These studies have confirmed that the
phenolic compounds contribute significantly to the
antioxidant activity [50].The antiradical activity depends
on the content in phenolic compounds that give up
hydrogen to the free radicals and interrupt the chain of
lipid oxidative reaction in the first step of inhibition [51].
This higher efficiency of the phenolic compounds to
scavenge free radicals like singlet oxygen, superoxide,
and hydroxyl radicals is due to their hydroxyl phenolic
group [52].Flavonoids and tannins found in these plant
extracts possess a large spectrum of antiradical
properties [53]. However, these activities may be due to
the synergistic action of the chemical compounds
presents in the extracts [54].
48
Year 2020
Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XX Issue VI Version I
(DDDD)
B
©20
20 Global Journals
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Radical Scavenging Properties of Methanol Extracts of
Dracaena Deisteliana
(Dracaenaceae) and
Sporobolus Indicus
(Poaceae)
Figure 3:Free radical scavenging activity of plant extracts and reference. L-: leaf-; S-: stem-; WP-: whole-plant
IV. Conclusion
Overall, the phytochemical screening of the
crude extracts of D. deisteliana and S. indicus revealed
the presence of several classes of secondary
metabolites with known antimicrobial and antioxidant
activities. The three extracts of D. deisteliana have
bactericidal activity on K. pneumoniae and S. aureus
and all the fungi tested.S. indicus have bactericidal
activities on all the bacteria tested. All the plant extracts
exhibited weak antibacterial activity. Nevertheless, these
results support their traditional uses for the treatment of
infections. D. deisteliana and S. indicus posses’
important antiradical activities and can be used to
scavenge free radicals. Further studies are still required,
namely to isolate active ingredient from these plants to
increase their activities and elucidate their potential
mechanism of action.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
Not applicable
Consent for publication
Not applicable
Availability of data and material
The datasets used and analyzed during the
current study are available from the corresponding
authorson reasonable request.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no
competing interests.
Funding
None
Author’s contributions
RNK and CTM designed the study, supervised
experiments, and critically revised the paper and
intellectual content. ADA carried out the experiments,
analyzedata, and wrote the manuscript. All authors read
and approve the final manuscript.
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the National
Herbarium of Cameroon; the Laboratory of Organic
Chemistry of the Higher Teachers’ Training College and
the Laboratory of Microbiology of the Department of
Microbiology, University of Yaounde I. Authors are
grateful to Prof. Maximilienne Ascension Nyegue for
providing facilities.
References Références Referencias
1. Tchinda CF, Sonfack G, Simo IK, et al.Antibacterial
and antibiotic-modifying activities of fractions and
compounds from Albizia andianthifolia against MDR
Gram-negative enteric bacteria. BMC Complement
Altern Med. 2019; 19:120. doi: 10.1186/s12906-
019-2537-1.
2. Mekonnen B, Asrie AB, Wubneh ZB. Antidiarrheal
activity of 80 % methanolic leaf extract of Justicia
schimperiana.Evid Based Complementary Altern
Med. 2018 Article ID 3037120:1-10.
3. Khan MS, Ahmad I, Cameotra SS. Phenyl aldehyde
and propanoids exert multiple sites of action
towards cell membrane and cell wall targeting
ergosterol in Candida albicans.AMB Express.2013;
3:54. doi: 10.1186/2191-0855-3-5
4. Tagliabue A, Rappuoli R. Changing priorities in
vaccinology: Antibiotic resistance moving to the top.
Front Immunol. 2018;9:1068. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.
2018.01068
5. Aslam B, Wang W,Arshad MI,et al.Antibiotic
resistance : A rundown of a global crisis. Infect Drug
Resist. 2018; 11: 1645-1658. doi: 10.2147/
IDR.S173867
646.75
491 507 550.5
411
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
D. deisteliana
(L) D. deisteliana
(S) D. deisteliana
(WP) S. indicus
(WP) Ascorbic acid
EC50 (µg/mL)
49
Year 2020
Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XX Issue VI Version I
(DDDD)
B
©20
20 Global Journals
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Radical Scavenging Properties of Methanol Extracts of
Dracaena Deisteliana
(Dracaenaceae) and
Sporobolus Indicus
(Poaceae)
6. Mzid M, Ben Khedir S, Ben Salem M, Regaieg W,
Rebai T. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of
ethanol and aqueous extracts from Urtica urens.
Pharm Biol. 2017; 55(1):775-81. https://doi.org/
10.1080/13880209.2016.1275025
7. Islam MZ, Hossain T, Hossen F, Mukharjee SK,
Sultana N, Paul SC. Evaluation of antioxidant and
antibacterial activities of Crotalaria pallida stem
extract. Clin Phytoscience.2018;4:8.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40816-018-0066-y
8. de Oliveira RG, Mahon CP,Ascêncio PG, Ascêncio
SD, Balogun SO, Martins DT . Evaluation of anti-
Inflammatory activity of hydroethanolic extract of
Dilodendron Bipinnatum Radlk. J
Ethnopharmacol.2014;155(1):387-95.
doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.041.
9. Chitemerere, TA, Mukanganyama S. Evaluation of
cell membrane integrity as a potential antimicrobial
target for plant products. BMC Complement Altern
Med. 2014;14:278. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-278.
10. Nyegue MA, Afagnigni AD, Ndam NY, Djova SV,
Fonkoua MC, Etoa FX. Toxicity and activity of
ethanolic leaf extract of Paullinia pinnata Linn
(Sapindaceae) in Shigella flexneri-induced diarrhea
in Wistar rats. J Evid-Based Integ Med. 2020;25:1-9.
doi:10.1177/2515690X19900883.
11. Afagnigni AD, Nyegue MA, Djova SV, Etoa FX. LC-
MS analysis, 15-lipoxygenase inhibition, cytotoxicity,
and genotoxicity of Dissotis multiflora (Sm) Triana
(Melastomataceae) and Paullinia pinnata Linn
(Sapindaceae). J Trop Med. 2020, 1-8.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/5169847.
12. Kuete V, Fokou WF, Karaosmanoğlu O, Beng VP,
Sivas H. Cytotoxicity of the methanol extracts of
Elephantopus mollis, Kalanchoe crenata and 4 other
Cameroonian medicinal plants towards human
carcinoma cells. BMC ComplementAltern Med.
2017;17:280.
13. Famuyide IM, Aro AO, Fasina FO, Eloff JN, McGaw
LJ. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of acetone
leaf extracts of nine underinvestigated south African
Eugenia and Syzygium (Myrtaceae) species and
their selectivity indices. BMC ComplementAltern
Med. 2019; 19:141.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-
019-2547-z
14. Kudumela RG, Mazimbab O, Masoko P. Isolation
and characterisation of sesquiterpene lactones from
Schkuhria pinnata and their antibacterial and anti-
inflammatory activities. S Afr JBot. 2019; 126:
340-344.
15. Odeja O, Ogwuche CE, Elemike EE, Obi G.
Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and
antimicrobial activities of Acalypha ciliata plant. Clin
Phytoscience. 2016;2:12. doi 10.1186/s40816-016-
0027-2
16. James PB, Wardle J, Steel A, Adams J... Traditional,
complementary and alternative medicine use in
Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. BMJ Glob
Health. 2018;3(5): e000895. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-
2018-000895
17. Mimaki Y, Kuroda M, Takaashi Y, Sashida Y.
Steroidal saponins from the stems of Dracaena
concinna. Phytochemistry.1998;47(7):1351-1356.
18. Yung L, Hui W, Huerong X, Weuli M, Haofu D.
Antioxidant phenolic compounds of Dracaena
cambodiana. Molecules. 2010;15: 8904-8914
19. Telefo PB,Lienou LL,Yemele MD,Lemfack
MC,Mouokeu C,Goka CS,Tagne SR,Moundipa
FP. Ethnopharmacological survey of plants used for
the treatment of female infertility in Baham,
Cameroon. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;136(1):178-
187. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.036.
20. Tsobou R, Mapongmetsem PM, Voukeng KI, Van
Damme P. Phytochemical screening and
antibacterial activity of medicinal plants used to treat
typhoid fever in Bamboutos division, West
Cameroon. J App Pharm Sci. 2015;5(06):34-49.doi:
10.7324/JAPS.2015.50606
21. Jiofack T, Ayissi I, Fokunang C, Guedje N, Kemeuze
V. Ethnobotany and phytomedicine of the upper
Nyong valley forest in Cameroon. Afr J Pharm
Pharmacol. 2009;3(4):144-150.
22. Adjanohoun EJ, Aboubakar N, Dramane K, et al.
Traditional medicine and pharmacopoeia.
Contribution to ethnobotanical and floristic studies
in Cameroon. Organisation of African unity.
Scientific, Technical and research commission
(OAU/STRC) Lagos, Nigeria. 1996.
23. Okunji CO, IWU MM, Jackson JE, Tally JD.
Biological activity of saponins from two Draceana
species. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1996;28:404-415.
24. He L, Wang Z, Tu P, Hou H. Advances in study on
chemical constituents and pharmacological
activities in plants of Dracaena vand.Ex L.Chin
Tradit Herb drugs. 2004;35:221-228.
25. Kougan GB,Miyamoto TT, Paululat T, Mirjolet
JF,Duchamp O,Sondengam BL,Lacaille-Dubois
MA. Steroidal saponins from two species of
Dracaena. J Nat Prod.2010;73(7):1266-1270. doi:
10.1021/np100153m
26. Peterson PM., Webster RD, Valdes-Reyna J. Genera
of New World Eragrostideae (Poaceae:
Chloridoideae).Smithson contrib bot. 1997;1-54.
https://doi.org/10.5479/si.0081024X.87
27. Global Invasive Species Database. Species
profile:Sporobolus africanus. http://www.iucngisd.
org/gisd/species.php?sc=1587. Accessed
24/06/2020.
28. Trease G.E., Evans W.C. Pharmacognosy. 15th Ed.
London: Saunders Publishers; 2002.
29. Sofowora A. Screening plants for bioactive agents.
In: Medicinal plants and traditional medicinal in
Africa. 2nd ed. Ibadan: Spectrum Books Ltd,
Sunshine House. 1993; 134-156.
50
Year 2020
Global Journal of Medical Research Volume XX Issue VI Version I
(DDDD)
B
©20
20 Global Journals
Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Radical Scavenging Properties of Methanol Extracts of
Dracaena Deisteliana
(Dracaenaceae) and
Sporobolus Indicus
(Poaceae)
30. Dzoyem JP, Guru SK,Pieme CA, Kuete V,
Sharma A, Khan IA,Saxena AK,Vishwakarma RA.
Cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of selected
Cameroonian edible plants. BMC Complement
Altern Med. 2013;13:78. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-
13-78
31. Cheesbrough M. Medical Laboratory Manual for
Tropical Countries, vol 2 of ELBS Tropical Health
Technology, Butterworth-Heinemann, Cambridge,
UK. 2002.
32. Eloff JN. A sensitive and quick microplate method to
determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of
plant extracts for bacteria. Planta Med. 1998;
64:711-713.
33. Masoko P, Picard J, Eloff JN. Antifungal activities of
six South African Terminalia species
(Combretaceae). J Ethnopharmacol. 2005; 99(2):
301-308.
34. Brand-Williams W, Cuvelier ME, Berset C. Use of a
free radical method to evaluate antioxidant activity.
Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft und Technologie. 1995;
28: 25-30.
35. Masoko P, Makgapeetja DM.Antibacterial,
antifungal and antioxidant activity of Olea africana
against pathogenic yeast and nosocomial
pathogens. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015;
15:409. doi 10.1186/s12906-015-0941-8
36. Tapondjou LA, Ponou KB, Teponno RB, Mbiantcha
M, Djoukeng JD, Nguelefack TB, Watcho P,
Cadenas AG, Park HJ. In vivo anti-inflammatory
effect of a new steroidal saponin, mannioside A,
and its derivatives isolated from Dracaena mannii.
Arch Pharm Res. 2008;31:653-658
37. Moharram FA, El-Shenawy SM. Antinociceptive and
anti-inflammatory steroidal saponins from Dracaena
ombet. Planta Med. 2007;73(10):1101-1106.
38. Cowan MM. Plants products as antimicrobial
agents. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1999; 14:564-584.
39. Olufunmiso OO, Anthony JA. Synergistic
interactions of methanolic extract of Acacia mearnsii
De wild. with antibiotics against bacteria of clinical
relevance. Int J Mol Sci. 2012;13:8915-8932.
40. Dzotam JK, Touani FK, Kuete V. Antibacterial
activities of the methanol extracts of Canarium
schweinfurthii and four other Cameroonian dietary
plants against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative
bacteria. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2016; 23:565-570.
41. Masoko P, Gololo SS, Mokgotho MP, Eloff JN,
Howard RL, Mampuru LJ. Evaluation of the
antioxidant, antibacterial and antiproliferatory
activities of the acetone extracts of the roots of
Senna italica (Fabaceae). Afri J Trad Compl Altern
Med. 2010; 7(2):138-48.
42. Zhao W.H., Hu Z.O., Okubo S., Hara Y., Shimamura
T. Mechanism of synergy between epigallocatechin
gallate and blactams against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrob Agents
Chemother. 2001; 45(6):1737-1742.
43. Perumalla AV, Navam S. Green tea and grape seed
extracts-potential applications in food safety and
quality. Food Res Intern. 2011;44(4):827-839.
44. Kuete V. Potential of Cameroonian plants and
derived products against microbial infections: A
review. Planta med. 2010; 76:1479-1491.
45. Kuete V, Efferth T. Cameroonian medicinal plants:
pharmacology and derived natural products. Front
Pharmacol. 2010; 1:123. doi: 10.3389/
fphar.2010.00123.
46. Takeo O, Masato K, Keiko S, Rika O, Junko M,
Hiroshi I, Hiroyuki K, Toshi A, Tosshifumi A, Shigeo
M. In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities of
tricyclic ketolide Te-802 and its analogs. J
Antibiotics. 2004; 57: 518-527.
47. Mims CA, Playfair JH, Roitt IM, Wakelin D, Williams
R. Antimicrobials and chemotherapy. In: Mims et al.
Editors. Medical Microbiology Review, Mosby
Europe Ltd, London. 1993; 35:1-34.
48. Tekwu EM, Pieme AC, Beng VP. Investigations of
antimicrobial activity of some Cameroonian
medicinal plant extracts against bacteria and yeast
with gastrointestinal relevance. J Ethnopharmacol.
2012; 142:265-273.
49. Mukherjee S, Pawar N, Kulkarni O, Nagarkar B,
Thopte S, Bhujbal A, Pawar P. Evaluation of free-
radical quenching properties of standard Ayurvedic
formulation Vayasthapana Rasayana. BMC
Complement Altern Med. 2011; 11:38.
50. Li HB,Wong CC, Cheng KW, Chen F. Antioxidant
properties in vitro and total phenolic contents in
methanolic extracts from medicinal plants. LST
Food Sci Technol. 2008; 41:0385-390.
51. Kaushik R, Narayanan P, Vasudevan V,
Muthukumaran G, Antony U.Nutrient composition of
cultivated stevia leaves and the influence of
polyphenols and plant pigments on sensory and
antioxidant properties of leaf extracts. J Food Sci
Technol. 2010;47:27-33.
52. Sawa T, Nakao M, Akaike T, Ono K, Maeda H.
Alkylperoxyl radical scavenging activity of various
flavonoids and other phenolic compounds:
Implications for the antitumor promoter effect of
vegetables. J Agric Food Chem.1999; 47:397-492.
53. Mohammed F, Nagendra PK, Kong KW, Amin I.
Flavonoid, hesperidine, total phenolic contents and
antioxidant activities from Citrus species. Afr J
Biotechnol. 2010; 9:326-330.
54. Ali G, Hawa ZE, Jaafar, Asmah R.Antioxidant
Activities, Total phenolics and flavonoids content in
two varieties of Malaysia young Ginger (Zingiber
officinale Roscoe). Molecules. 2010;15(6):
4324-4333.
