Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Analysis of Banana Pseudo Stem (Musa acuminata)
C. T. Onyema *
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. E. Ofor
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
V. C. Okudo
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
A. S. Ogbuagu
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Preliminary phytochemical screening of extracts of banana pseudo stem and antimicrobial activities revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, protein, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides. The phytochemical constituents were: Alkaloid (8.16%), Flavonoids (4.02%), Saponin (3.5%), Phenols (5.5743 mg/kg, Tannin (9.13%), Oxalate (0.162%), Heamaglutinin (1.8814 mg/kg), Phytate (1.2967 mg/kg), and Cardiac Glycoside (1.6%). Some of the extracts inhibited the growth of pathogens while some did not. Water extract notably had a high Zone Inhibition Diameter of 21 mm to Streptococcus aureus and 17 mm to Pseudomonas aerugenosa. The results obtained indicated that the pseudo stem of banana plant have pharmaceutical values and can be utilized in treatment of some ailments.
Keywords: Phytochemical constituents, antifungal, antimicrobial activity and banana pseudo stem.