Effects of Helianthus annuus and Anthocleista djalonensis on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Plant based medicines have been a part of traditional healthcare in most parts of the world for thousands of years. The medicinal plants are of great interest to human health. It has been proven that antimicrobials of plant origin work more efficiently with fewer side effects. The study aimed to identify the phytochemicals in the extracts of Helianthus annus and Anthocleista djalonensis and examine the effects of extracts of these plants on the growth of clinical bacterial isolates. Leaves of Helianthus annus and Anthocleista djalonensis were extracted in methanol, distilled water and hot water. The extract solution (100%) was further diluted to various concentrations (75%, 50%, and 25%). The data obtained were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine significant (P< 0.05) effects. Significant differences between means were determined using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and quinone. The extracts of the plants inhibited the growth of the bacteria tested with varied effectiveness. The maximum antibacterial activities were observed in the aqueous extracts. Thus the extracts of Helianthus annus and Anthocleista djalonensis can be used in the development of new pharmaceuticals that address unmet therapeutic use.