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AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE IN-VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF UDARA LEAF

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The search for healing power from plants in as old as man people in all continents of the world have long applied poultices and imbibed infusions of hundreds (if not thousands) of indigenous plants dating back to prehistorically period (Duke and Wain 1981: Nostro et al, 2000). Till date, natural plant of various hyper are used in traditional African medicine for providing healing to various ailments even before and after the spread of modern and scientific basis the practice of Africa traditional medicine. Hence some active components of medicinal plants often used which producer certain antimicrobial properties have been identified among there plants in chrysopyllum albidum G.

Though the exact area of origin in unknown, the while star apple in believed native to tropical America, per harps in southern Mexico and neighboring Central America. Chrysophyllum albidum in commonly called Udara or white star apple and it is native to tropical countries. The negative part of white star apple plant have enormous medicinal using in various parts of Africa. The cotyledons in form the seed of C albidum are use in the treatment. Of vaginal and dermatological infections in Western Nigeria. The fruit pulp in rich in vitamin C and iron and an excellent source of raw material for industries (Adisa, 2000, Akubugwo 2007). 

Tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, proteins, carbohydater and resins are the phytochemicals that have been reported in C albidum (Akeneme 2008). Bioassay guided fractionation of the seeds of C albidum led to the isolotaion of eleagnine was found to be the main compound responsible for its antimicrobial activity (Idown et al, 2003) Because of these, information on the safety potential of this plant in lacking, thus. There will be need to evaluate the toxicity potential of this popularly used medicinal plant. The study therefore in aimed at providing information on the effects of the ethanolic leaf extract on biochemical and haematological parameters in albino wistar rats.

The Udara leaf, scientifically known as Chrysophyllum albidum, is a common plant species in tropical regions, particularly in West Africa. Traditionally, various parts of the Udara tree, including the leaves, have been used for medicinal purposes due to their perceived antimicrobial properties. However, there is a lack of comprehensive scientific research investigating the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of Udara leaves.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the traditional use of Udara leaves for treating infections, there is limited scientific evidence supporting their antimicrobial efficacy. This knowledge gap highlights the need for a thorough investigation into the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of Udara leaves.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of Udara leaves. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of Udara leaf extracts on bacterial growth.

ii. To determine the effectiveness of Udara leaf extracts against fungal pathogens.

iii. To find out the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Udara leaf extracts against selected microorganisms.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of Udara leaf extracts on bacterial growth?

ii. What is the effectiveness of Udara leaf extracts against fungal pathogens?

iii. How does the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Udara leaf extracts vary against selected microorganisms?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis I

H0: There is no significant impact of Udara leaf extracts on bacterial growth.

H1: There is a significant impact of Udara leaf extracts on bacterial growth.

Hypothesis II

H0: There is no significant effectiveness of Udara leaf extracts against fungal pathogens.

H2: There is a significant effectiveness of Udara leaf extracts against fungal pathogens.

Hypothesis III

H0: There is no significant variation in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Udara leaf extracts against selected microorganisms.

H3: There is a significant variation in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Udara leaf extracts against selected microorganisms.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will contribute to the scientific understanding of the antimicrobial properties of Udara leaves. It may provide valuable insights for the development of new antimicrobial agents derived from natural sources.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses specifically on investigating the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of Udara leaves. It will involve the collection of leaf samples, extraction of bioactive compounds, and testing against various microorganisms in laboratory settings.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Limitations of this study may include constraints in obtaining sufficient leaf samples, variations in the potency of Udara leaves due to environmental factors, and limitations in the laboratory equipment and resources available for testing.

1.9 Definition of Terms

In-vitro: Refers to experiments or procedures performed outside the living organism, typically in a laboratory setting.

Antimicrobial activity: The ability of a substance to inhibit the growth or kill microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): The lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the visible growth of a microorganism.

Udara leaf extracts: Concentrated solutions obtained from the leaves of the Chrysophyllum albidum tree, used for testing in antimicrobial assays.