Antibacterial Activities of Hyphaene thebaica (Doum Palm) Fruit Extracts against Intestinal Microflora and Potential Constipation Associated Pathogens in Yola Metropolis, Nigeria

This study aimed at determining the antibacterial activities of Hyphaene thebaica fruit extracts against some intestinal constipation associated bacteria. Qualitative analysis of some phytochemical constituents, agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods were used to determine the zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the plant extracts. Phytochemical components viz flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, glycosides and steroids were detected in the plant extracts, and the test organisms were susceptible to the plant extracts. The diameter zone of inhibition (DZI) obtained with n-hexane extract ranged from 15.10 ± 0.51 mm to 2.0 ± 0.55 mm against K. pneumoniae, 10.20 ± 0.57 mm to 2.00 ± 0.35 mm against P. aeruginosa and 8.00 ± 0.35 mm to 1.00 ± 0.55 mm against S. typhi, while the DZI for aqueous extract was 7.10 ± 0.23 mm to 2.0 ± 0.35 mm against K. pneumoniae, 6.20 ± 0.31 mm to 2.00 ± 0.35 mm against S. typhi and 5.42 ± 0.55 mm to 2.05 ± 0.75 mm against P. aeruginosa. The MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration of the extracts were 100 mg/mL and 200 mg/mL, respectively. Hyphaene thebaica fruit possessed antimicrobial activities against the test organisms. Therefore, toxicity and clinical studies are recommended for possible drug development. Keywords: Doum; Constipation; Intestinal; Microflora; Fibre; Hyphaene thebaica