Phytochemical and Antibacterial Activities of Combined Leaves and Flower Extracts of English Camphor Basil (Ocimum canum) on Some Selected Bacteria Associated with Skin Infections

Abstract

Phytochemical and antibacterial activities of combined leaves and flower extracts of English camphor basil (Ocimum canum) on some selected bacteria associated with skin infections was investigated. Plant samples were collected at Mista Ali, Bassa LGA of Plateau State. Phytochemical analysis was carried out in the Biochemistry Laboratory of National Veterinary Research Institute Vom (NVRI), located in Jos South LGA. The test organisms, S. aureus, S. pyogenes, P. aeruginosa, S. marcescens, E. faecalis were obtained from the microbial banks of bacteriology and dermatophilosis sections of NVRI, Vom and were standardized with a Nephelometer.  Quantitatively, the leaves and flower ethanolic extracts were tested individually and in combination against bacteria associated with skin infections both extracts showed the presence of steroids, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids while tannins were detected in the leaves extract only. There was significant (p<0.05) variation in the quantity of inherent phytochemical components of the extracts. Cardiac glycoside had the highest concentrations (0.64±0.02 and 0.54±0.02) in the leaves and flower extracts respectively. Leaves extract showed activity against test bacteria except E. faecalis. Strains of S. pyogenes and S. aureus were only susceptible to flower extract. The MBC ranged from 50-100mg/ml for the sensitive bacterial isolates. Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) from the combined extracts varied from 1.89 to 3.97 on the test bacteria that showed lack of interaction (FICI<4). Thus, combination of leaves and flower of O. canum may not exhibit any advantage. However, the plant contain bioactive constituents of pharmacological significance and should be explore for more potentials.