Antibacterial and toxicological evaluation of the ethanol leaf extract of Anthonotha macrophylla

Introduction: The leaves of Anthonotha macrophylla which are widely used in folkloric medicine in Africa were evaluated for antibacterial activity and its toxicological profile.Methods: Antibacterial activities of the leaves against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus subtilis were compared with cefoxitin. Toxicological profiles were determined following the administration of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the leaf extract and distilled water, as control, to male Albino rats for 28 days. Biochemical and hematological indices and body weights were determined and the vital organs were examined.Results: The ethanol leaf extract of A. macrophylla demonstrated antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacteria tested. Toxicological investigation of the leaf extract showed no significant alterations in hematological and biochemical indices, and the vital organs as well. The LD50 in rats was more than 5000 mg/kg.Conclusion: Findings suggest that the ethanol leaf extract of A. macrophylla possess good antimicrobial activity which supports the traditional use of this plant across Africa. The plant is also considered safe following oral exposure after 28 days.