PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF PHYTOMEDECINE MATHESIA, A DRUG USE AGAINST BURULI ULCER IN REPUBLIC DEMOCRATIC OF THE CONGO (DRC)

Helmont Nkasa Liwata, Clément Inkoto Liyongo*, Jean Claude Muzomwe Mayaliwa, Edith Masengo Ilunga, Caleb Muzomwe Mumba, Christophe Mulenga Mbombo and Taba Kalulu Muzele

ABSTRACT

Buruli ulcer is a debilitating skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. In recent years, the disease has become an important public health problem in an increasing number of tropical and subtropical countries. In this study the aims was to determine the phytochemical composition and to assess the antibacterial activity of Phytomedecine Mathesia. This study has place and duration in Faculty of Science, University of Kinshasa, between November 2012 and April 2013. The antibacterial activity of Mathesia extract was assessed using disc diffusion and micro-dilution methods respectively. The disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial activity of extract while the micro-dilution method was performed to determine their Minimal Inhibitory Concentration. This study revealed presence of alkaloids reducing sugars, steroids, terpenes and total polyphenols like tannins, flavonoids and saponins in Mathesia extract. The results of this study revealed that extract of Mathesia possesses antibacterial activity. This study provides a scientific basis for the antibacterial activity of Mathesia extract. Isolation and purification of different phytochemicals may further yield significant antibacterial new leads compounds.

Keywords: Phytomedecine Mathesia, Phytochemical and Antibacterial activity.