The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(5):320-326 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14503

Research Article

Comparative phytochemistry and antimicrobial activities of aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of Icacina oliviformis root tuber and fruit husk commonly used among traditional folks in Northern Ghana

Sylvenus Aguree¹ , Mohammed Abubakar¹ , Mary Mwingyine¹

Sylvenus Aguree,Mohammed Abubakar,Mary Mwingyine

1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa Municipal, Upper West Region, Ghana

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 4th August, 2025 / Accepted: 11th October, 2025 / Published : 30th November, 2025

Abstract

Background: Given the alarming rise in the prevalence of new and re-emerging infectious illnesses, there is a pressing need to find new antimicrobial agents with a variety of chemical structures and unique modes of action. The results of research conducted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the introduction of streptomycin and other antibiotics, provide the foundation for testing a large number of plants for antibiotic or antimicrobial properties that are beneficial to humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined a plant as one that has one or more organs that contain compounds that are either therapeutically beneficial or precursors to the production of valuable medications. The global quest to develop novel drugs from natural products, particularly, has brought our attention to investigate the antimicrobial activities of Icacina oliviformis (I. oliviformis) root tubers and fruit husks against selected bacteria. Aims and Objective: This study evaluates the phytochemical compositions in aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of I. oliviformis root tubers and fruit husks and compares the anti-microbial activities among the root tubers and fruit husks. Methodology: The phytochemical screening of the I. oliviformis root tubers and fruit husks was conducted using standard protocols, the antimicrobial susceptibility was conducted using the agar well diffusion methods, and the nutrient broth was used for the minimum inhibitory concentration. All laboratory analysis was conducted in triplicate to ensure consistency and precision of test results. Laboratory quality control measures were followed to ensure repeatability and prevent cross-contamination of laboratory procedures. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Tannins, Terpenoids, triterpenoids, saponins, anthraquinones, and cardiac glycosides in the aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of I. oliviformis root tubers. Saponins and phenols were absent in the aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of I. oliviformis fruit husks. The highest zone of inhibition was observed in the aqueous extract of I. oliviformis root tuber extract at 29 mm against Proteus mirabilis, and the lowest zone of inhibition was observed in the aqueous extract of I. oliviformis at 3.15 mm against Salmonella typhi. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were 1.95 mm, 3.91 mm, and 7.81 mm for I. oliviformis aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts and aqueous extract of I. oliviformis fruit husks, respectively. Conclusion: The aqueous extract showed greater antimicrobial activity than the hydro-ethanolic extract for both root tubers and fruit husks of I. oliviformis. The findings in the current study have validated the rationale behind its traditional use by rural folks in treating several health conditions. The current research also provides novel information on the medicinal properties of the fruit husks, even though I. oliviformis has been known for its root tuber medicinal properties, but the fruit husks have never been considered for use as a traditional remedy. Future research also aims to explore the safety profile of the root tubers and fruit husks as potential drugs for treating resistant bacterial strains.