Abstract

The antimicrobial effect of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Sida acuta was investigated. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins; tannins, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids and anthraquinones. The test isolates from human skin infections were Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Scopulariopsis candida, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus. The zone of inhibition for the ethanolic extract varied from 10 mm for P. aeruginosa to 43 mm for S. aureus and from 4 mm forP. aeruginosa to 29 mm for S. aureus in the aqueous extract. Though the zone of inhibition increased with increase in concentration of the extract, the highest concentration of the ethanolic extract revealed a higher significant (P > 0.05) inhibition against S. aureus and B. subtilis compared to the inhibition effect on these organisms by gentamacin used as control. The aqueous extract had no significant effect on the test organisms. The extracts had no inhibitory effect on the fungi isolates. This study has shown that the extract of S. acuta if properly harnassed medically will enhance our health care delivery system.

Key words: Antimicrobial, inhibition, ethanolic extract, aqueous extract, Phytochemical and Sida acuta.