Phytochemistry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and in vitro anti-bacterial activities of Desplatsia dewevrei (De Wild. & T. Durand)
Phytochemicals have been reported to have direct and/or indirect influence on the antibacterial potentials of useful plants. The present study was aimed at determining the phyto-components by traditional methods and GC-MS analysis alongside testing the anti-bacterial activities of Desplatsia dewevrei leaves and fruits. The maceration of 500 g of Desplatsia dewevrei powder in methanol yielded 5.7 g of extract. Qualitatively coumarins were found to be richly present in the leaves while, quinones were most evidently present in the fruits of Desplatsia dewevrei. Quantitative analyses show that the phenolic and tannic acid contents of Desplatsia dewevrei may be the chief compounds responsible for the antibacterial activity of the plant. GC-MS results of Desplatsia dewevrei fruits and leaves respectively showed Gas Chromatograms having 33 and 63 peaks representing different phyto-compounds. Of the 33 and 63 phyto-compounds, Cyclohexanepropanol, alpha.,2,2,6-tetrame-thyl and Farnesyl bromide were recurrent at different retention time. Although Desplatsia dewevrei showed no zone of inhibition for gram negative bacteria, its inhibitory effect on gram positive bacteria is significant. In conclusion, D. dewevrei is a phytochemical rich plant. However, a further study on the anti-bacterial effect of Desplatsia dewevrei using solvent extracts other than methanol is recommended for future incorporation in drug development.