In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of the Extract of Mitracarpus scaber Leaves Formulated as Syrup

Purpose: To formulate the crude extract of the leaves of Mitracarpus scarber “Zucc” as a syrup. Method: The antimicrobial activity of the formulation was assessed using agar plates and concentrations of the extract varying between 25mg/ml and 300mg/ml to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration at 37°C against bacterial and fungal organisms namely, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina lutea, Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Result: The growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans was inhibited by the formulation at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 75mg/ml. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Sarcina lutea resisted all the concentrations of the formulation used. The presence of sucrose in the formulation rendered the formulation pleasant to taste. Conclusion: The extract from the leaves of Mitracarpus scarber “Zucc” can be formulated into a pleasantly tasting oral dosage form despite its bitter taste.