Phytochemical, IR Spectral and Biological Studies on the Leaf Extracts of Commiphora Africana (Burseraceae)

The dry powdered leaf of Commiphora africana was extracted with methanol to give the crude extract. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis which revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, and alkaloids among other classes of natural products. The crude extract was fractionated into n-hexane, diethyl ether, and n-butanol soluble fractions. The crude extract was active against Baciillus subtillis at MIC value of 1000μg, and Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at 2000μg, while the n-butanol was active only against Bacillus subtillis at 1000μg. However, the n-hexane and diethyl ether fractions were not active against any of the test organisms even at 2000μg. The IR spectra of crude extract and fractions showed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl and aromatic systems which are in good agreement with results of the phytochemical analysis of the crude extract.Keywords: Antimicrobial, Commiphora africana , extracts, IR, phytochemical