Journal of Basic and Applied Research International

This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the crude Ethanolic and Aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata stem, which is a chewing stick that is widely used for oral and dental care. The in vitro phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activities of Ethanolic and Aqueous crude extracts of Massularia acuminata were investigated on oral isolates using disc diffusion method. The oral isolates obtained by streak plate method were characterized to be Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Proteus and Pseudomonas species. Result of the study shows that Saponin, Tannin, Flavonoid, Anthrocyanin, Steroids and Terpenoids were all present in both the Aqueous and Ethanolic extracts. In vitro studies shows that the oral isolates were susceptible to the Aqueous and Ethanolic extract at a concentration range of 0.39-200 mg/ml but the Ethanolic extract exhibited a greater antibacterial activity compared to the Aqueous extracts. The Oral isolates have the following Percentage of Antibiotic Resistance and Susceptibility respectively: Staphylococcus sp. (18.75% and 81.25%); Streptococcus sp. (18.75% and 81.25%); Proteus sp. (25% and 75%) and Pseudomonas sp. (62.25% and 37.75%). The screened phytochemical components from the stems of Massularia acuminata demonstrated antibacterial activities; hence this may justify its Ethno medical use as an Oral cleansing agent.