Phytochemical Investigation and Anti-Microbial Activity of Clausena anisata on Cariogenic and Periodontopathic Bacteria

Clausen aanisata is used in African traditional medicine to treat a variety of infectious and parasitic diseases. Infectious diseases are a major public health problem especially in developing countries where resistance to commonly used antibiotics is growing exponentially. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Clausena anisata on cariogenic and periodonthopatic bacteria. This was a laboratory experimental study using macerated hydroethanolic extracts of the stem and leaves of Clausena anisata in a water-ethanol mixture (30:70) for 48 hours. Phytochemical screening revealed flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, coumarins, phenols, triterpenes and saponosides, these being more abundant in the leaves. The antibacterial activity of the hydroethanolic extracts was evaluated against different clinically isolated strains of three Gram negative (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitan, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia) and two Gram positive (Streptococcus mutans and Latobacillusspp) bacteria. Polyphenols found more in the leaves extract was estimated at 62.8 mgTAE/g against 36.8 mgTAE/g in the stem bark extract. The study revealed that the leaves extract had bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity on isolated strains of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitan and Fusobacterium nucleatum being the most susceptible with MICs of 50 mg/ml whereas the stem bark showed bacteriostatic activity on all isolated strains with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitan being the most susceptible with MIC of 50 mg/ml. The antimicrobial action of the plant could be exploited in formulation of mouth washes and other medications in the management of oral infections like periodontitis and tooth dacay.