Investigate the Phytochemicals, Proximate Composition, Mineral Analysis, HPLC Components, and Antibacterial Activities of Crude Methanol Extract of Piper Guineense(Uziza) Seeds and Leaves

Abstract

The leaves and seeds of Piper guineense (Uziza) are widely used in homes to impact taste, aroma and flavor to food. In folk medicine, the Piper guineense seeds and leaves are used as Post- partum recovery after delivery. It is used in the enhancement of fertility in males and treatment of diabetes. Piper guineense is a wild shrub that has been adopted in homes and cultivated along the boundary fences. Therefore this study was aimed to determine the efficacy of crude methanol extract of Piper guineense seeds and leaves against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.The biotic components were estimated and its toxicity was determined using experimental albino rats. The seeds and leaves of Piper guineense was purchased from the open market and dried in the dark, grounded and stored in container till used. The ground powders were extracted using methanol via soxhlets apparatus. The extracts were used to estimate the phytochemical components, mineral and proximate properties. The bioactive compounds were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Gas chromatograph- Gas spectrometry (GC- GM). The susceptibility patterns of the crude methanol extract were determined using agar diffusion technique for bacterial pathogens while macro-broth techniques were used to estimate the fungal pathogens. The toxic effect of crude methanol extract was investigated using 30-albino rats. The rats were group into five containing six (6) rats per group . Group A and B were administered with 500mg/ml body weight and 200mg/ml body weight of crude methanol seed extract while Group C and D were administered 1500mg/ml and 1000mg/ml per body weight of crude methanol extract of piper guineense leaves extract and group E were administered with normal saline and serve as net control. The experiment lasted for thirty (30) days. The haematological indices, Liver function test, Electrolytes and Urea were estimated while the visceral organs were harvested, fixed in 10 % formal saline and processed histologically using Haematoxylin & Eosin stain . The phytochemical components of Piper guineense seeds and leaves showed presence of soluble carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins and saponins while proximate analysis indicated the high presence of carbohydrate and proteins in both seeds and leaves. Mineral composition includes sodium, calcium and phosphorus. Bioactive analysis of (uziza) leaves showed bioactive compounds; Resveratol, flavonones and malvidine while that of seeds included Ellagic acid, Resveratol and Quinine . The antibacterial activity of crude methanol extract of Piper guineense seeds and leaves both showed activity against Staphylocous aureus , proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli while antifungal activity of these crude methanol extract inhibited the growth of Aspergillud flavus, Mucor fragilis and Penicillum notatum. The crude methanol fractions of the seeds were more potent in inhibiting both bacterial and fungal isolates. The crude methanol extracts had no effects on the hematological indices , liver function test and Aspartate Transaminase (AST) value in both seeds and leaves while the electrolyte (Na+, Ca2 + and Cl-) showed increased values as compared to normal .Histological staining indicated that crude methanol extract of Piper guineense seeds affected the colon, Jejenum, liver and kidney with mild increase in inflammatory cells , liver necrosis while that of leaves, caused damage to colon , Jejunum inducing disruption and erosion of lining of crypts of liberkuhn. The findings in this study showed that crude methanol extract has good sensitivity pattern against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The extract, at higher dosages are toxic to the liver and colon, therefore its persistent use may lead to organ damage, hence the need to characterize the bioactive components and identify the toxic agents for elimination.