Abstract

The antimicrobial effect of some selected Nigerian medicinal plants traditionally used by the local people for treating skin infections was evaluated on some microorganisms likeCandida albicans MTCC 227, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 2785, Proteus mirabilisATCC 21784 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27856. The solvents used for extraction were water, ethanol, methanol and petroleum ether. The in vitro antibacterial activity was performed by agar disc diffusion method. Results showed that all the extracts were active but Cassia alata extracts were the most active. The activity of the extracts were concentration dependent and had zones of inhibition between 10 to 19 mm. It can be concluded that these medicinal plants extracts are as potent as standard antimicrobial drugs which justify their uses for the treatment of skin diseases by the local people.

Key words: Medicinal plants, dermatophytes, microbial activity, zones of inhibition.