Abstract

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACIES OF SARCOCEPHALUS LATIFOLIUS DRIED LEAF EXTRACTS ON COMMON BACTERIAL FISH PATHOGENS

Olaji E. D.* and Adams T. E.

ABSTRACT

Sarcocephalous latifolius is a known medicinal plant among local fish farmers in rural areas. It has been used for the traditional treatment of some fish diseases in southern Nigeria. Dried leaf extracts of Sarcocephalous latifolius (Ethyl acetate, chloroform, and aqueous) were investigated for fish antibacterial activity. They were found to be effective against all tested bacterial strains with varied degree of sensitivities. Ethyl acetate fraction was found to be more effective than others. Ethyl acetate fraction showed maximum activity against the tested strains and minimum inhibition concentration (mic) of 6.46mg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus, 6.76mg/ml for Serretia mercenses and 8.13mg/ml for Bacillus subtilis. It was noted that the chloroform extract fraction inhibited the bacteria more than the aqueous extract. The use of the plant for bacterial infection treatmentby local farmers is supported by this research.

Keywords: Sarcocephalous latifolius, Antibacterial, Pathogens, Fish.