Qualitative phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of Basella alba and Basella rubra

The study was carried out on Basella alba and Basella rubra leaves to further emphasize their importance and utilization as a support for promoting healthy diets in Nigeria. B. alba and B. rubra leaves were extracted in water:methanol (2:3) by maceration. Phytochemical screening and antibacterial sensitivity of the aqueous methanol extracts of both leafy vegetables were carried out using appropriate reference methods. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts against selected bacteria isolates were evaluated using agar well diffusion method at 30 mg/mL and 35 mg/mL concentrations. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponin, phlobatannin, cardiac glycoside, flavonoid and alkaloid in both extracts. Aqueous methanol extract of B. rubra exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria isolates; Clostridium sporogenes (NCIB 532), Streptococcus faecalis (LIO), Bacillus anthracis (LIO), Bacillus polymyxa (LIO) and Micrococcus luteus (NCIB 196). Clostridium sporogenes (NCIB 532) and Streptococcus faecalis (LIO) were resistant to the aqueous methanol extract of B. alba with no zone of inhibition shown. Streptomycin was used as the control at 1 mg/mL. The phytochemicals contained in these vegetables possess antimicrobial properties either in isolation or synergistically. Therefore, further research should be done to isolate and evaluate the mode of actions of the active principles that are important for the promotion of good health from these plant varieties.Keywords: Phytochemical screening; Antimicrobial sensitivity; Basella alba; Basella rubra; Streptomycin