Assessment of the Antimicrobial Sensitivity of Ethanolic Extracts of Phyllanthus amarus (Schum. et Thonn) Leaves on Oral Microorganisms

Abstract

Herbs are used in the treatment of several human ailment and
diseases. One of such herbs which have always been used for the
treatment of human diseases is Phyllanthus amarus. The
antimicrobial sensitivity of ethanolic extracts of Phyllanthus amarus
leaves on oral microorganisms was determined. The ethanolic leaf
extract was tested for antimicrobial activity using some clinical
isolates such as E. coli, Klebsiella sp, Pseudomonas sp, Citrobacter
sp, Bacillus sp and Staph. aureus, showed sensitivity of 15.3333 mm
at a concentration of 100 mg/ml followed by Klebsiella and Bacillus
with sensitivity of 14.0000 mm and 14.0000 mm respectively at 75
mg/ml. while the least antibacterial sensitivity of 7.0000 mm was
recorded at a concentration of 3.125 mg/ml. The leaf extract also
showed higher antifungal inhibitory activity in some fungi species
such as Penicillium and Sacchromyces. This indicates that the plant
contained some bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antifungal
and skin conditioning properties.