Abstract

The roots, stem-bark and leaves of Grewia mollis which is used as herbal remedies for the cure of diarrhea and dysentery by natives in northern part of Nigeria were studied. The ethanol and water extracts of roots, stem-bark and leaves of the plant were subjected to phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhii, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus. From the tests carried out, the result reveals the presence of saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, volatile oils, alkaloids and phenols in the leaves extract of the plant. The antimicrobial activity revealed that ethanol extracts of the plant parts were active against E. coli, S. aureus and Streptococcus sp. This supports the claims of efficacy reported in fork use of the plant in the treatment of disease caused by some pathogens and if further purified can be used as source of novel antibiotics.

Key words:  Grewia mollis, alkaloids, Escherichia coli, phytochemicals, cure.