Abstract
The antimicrobial activities of the ethanolic extracts of three Nigerian chewing sticks, namely, Terminalia glaucescens, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Pseudocedrela kotschyi were investigated. Results from this study showed that the antimicrobial activities of the tested chewing sticks vary and are target-microbe specific. Of the tested chewing sticks, A. leiocarpus showed a significantly higher antibacterial activity (P<0.05) against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes; and this was closely followed by T. glaucescens, while P. kotschyi virtually had no activity against these two organisms. However, the activity of T. glaucescens against Streptococcus mutans was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that exhibited by A. leiocarpus. The extracts of the three chewing sticks had no activity against Candida albicans. The antibacterial activities of these two potent chewing sticks made them suitable for better dental care.
Recommended Citation
Ogundiya, M. O.; Okunade, M. B.; and Kolapo, A. L.
(2006)
"Antimicrobial Activities of Some Nigerian Chewing Sticks,"
Ethnobotanical Leaflets: Vol. 2006:
Iss.
1, Article 28.
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/ebl/vol2006/iss1/28