Anti-Microbial and Phytochemical Screening of Commiphora africana, Cucumis pustulatus and Vernonia schimperi from Eritrea

Abstract Background Traditional medicines have been widely used in treating many microbial, inflammatory and other types of diseases states in Eritrea, where complimentary remedies are required to the modern health care system. Methodology The current research project focusses on three Eritrean medicinal plants; Commiphora africana, Cucumis pustulatus and Vernonia schimperi, which are traditionally used in management of different diseases. The hidden potential of the three plants for their anti-microbial activity was assessed with the employment of zone of inhibition. The plants were extracted by cold extraction using three solvents arranged in their increasing polarity starting with Petroleum ether, methanol and distilled water. The in vitro anti-microbial activity was performed by agar well diffusion method. Result Percentage yield was calculated for each plant extract. The cold methanol extracts of these plants exhibited the maximum yield while the minimum yield was obtained with petroleum ether. The gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible, while the gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli was moderately susceptible. Desirable result has shown against Candida albicans with the methanol extracts of both Commiphora africana and Cucumis pustulatus. The most active antibacterial activity was obtained from the plant Commiphora africana. As a standard anti-biotic, Ciprofloxacin and Fluconazole were taken as positive control for the bacterial and fungal medias respectively and distilled water as a negative control. Conclusion Commiphora africana and Cucumis pustulatus have shown the highest activities. Based on the outcomes these plants have compelling anti-fungal and anti-bacterial property. However further in-vivo studies, advanced phytochemical screenings, toxicity tests are recommended.