Abstract

This study revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols, phlobatannins, and flavonoids when the aqueous stem bark extract of Detarium microcarpum was subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening. Quantitatively, alkaloids (1.32±0.02); tannins (0.42±0.01); saponins (20.45±0.46); phenols (1.86±0.06) and flavonoids (0.39±0.03) were estimated. Antimicrobial susceptibility test of the aqueous stem bark extract using Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae as test organisms showed varying zones of inhibition with 10mm zone of inhibition of the growth of Staphylococcus aureus exhibited by the extract which corresponded to that exhibited by ofloxacin for the same bacteria. Similarly, the 15mm zone of inhibition of the growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae exhibited by the extract corresponded with that exhibited by ampicillin for the same organism. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was 16µg/ml for both Staphylococcus aureus and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and 32µg/ml for both Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the extract was 64µg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus and none for the remaining three test organisms.  Treatment of experimental animals with the aqueous stem bark extract for a period of six weeks and subsequent assessment of its effect biochemically showed that aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly higher than normal suggesting certain degree of liver injury. Acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) as compared to normal. Glucose, cholesterol, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin levels were significantly lower than normal while albumin and total protein levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) than normal. Urea and creatinine levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) than normal/control values indicating some degree of kidney injury.