Abstract:
Fresh samples of leaves and stems of Pergularia tomentosa were investigated for phytochemical and
antibacterial properties, The samples were dried in air and ground to powder. Three solvents methanol,
n-hexane and ethel' were used to extract the samples. The samples were screened for alkaloids, tannins,
saponins and glycosides. Antibacterial screening was done using the Disc diffusion method. The test
bacteria used are Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Results ofthe phytochemical analysis indicated that the methanol extracts of the plants' leaves and stem
contain alkaloids, saponins, tannins and glycosides. The methanol extracts of the leaves (MEL) showed
antibacterial activity affecting E. co/i(t4mm) and P. aeruginosa (tOmm);while the ether extract (EEL)
showed activity on B. cereus (4mm) and S. aureus (2mm). In case of the stem, only the methanolic
extracts (MES) showed an inhibition of 6mm against P. aeruginosa. The implication is that this plant
contains some active antibacterial components extractible by methanol and ether. Therefore there is
need for further screening using various solvents and bacteria.
