Assessment of Phytochemical, Antimicrobial and Haematological Activity of Synergistic Ethanolic Extracts of Azadirachta indica and Psidium guajava against Selected Enteric Pathogens

Abstract

Azadirachta indica (neem) and Psidium guajava (guava) are well known therapeutic plants used to manage various diseases. Hence, this paper is an assessment of phytochemical, antimicrobial and haematological activity of synergistic ethanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica and Psidium guajava against selected enteric pathogens using standard procedures. Results of the phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoid and phenols in the plants. The ethanolic extract of the leaves were active against the organisms, with Salmonella having the highest zone of inhibition and Staphylococcus aureus having the least zones of inhibition at all concentrations tested. There was no significant weight change (p>0.05), toxicity nor mortality recorded for the period. The results of the haematological parameters for the experimental rats showed increases in red blood cells and haemoglobin; and decrease in white blood cells, lymphocytes, granulocytes and platelets, but not statistically significant (p>0.05). The study established that the synergistic effect of ethanol extract of the plant leaves could be a possible source of novel broad spectrum medicine for treating diseases.