Abstract:
human ailments (the leaf part) including gastric, ulcers, colds and skin rashes in Ethiopia. In the
present study, W.somnifera (Solaneceae) leaf extracts were investigated for their phytochemicals
and antimicrobial activities. The qualitative analysis of n-hexane, chloroform: methanol (1:1),
and methanol leaf extracts of the plant revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids and
phenols. The n-hexane extract of the leaf of the plant was esterified in order to convert fatty acid
to methyl ester fatty acid. The esterified oil was characterized by GC-MS and identified twenty
three compounds. From this there twelve are major compounds. These are benzyl nitrile
(1.21%), dodecanioc acid (1.23%), decanoic acid (1.54%), hexadecanoic acid (1.80%), methyl
tetra decanoate (2.75%), 7,10,13-hexadeca trienoic acid (3.15%), methyl 18-methyl
nonadecanoate (3.69%), methyl stearate (4.10%), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (7.56%), penta
decanoic acid, 13-methyl (13.44%), E,Z, 1,3,12-nonadecatriene (26.885) and 9-octadecenoic
acid (Z) (27.095%). The crude extracts were tested against four bacteria species (two Gram
positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactia; and two Gram negative
bacteria, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi) and two fungal species (Aspergillus niger and
Fusarium oxysporum) using paper disc diffusion method. The maximum antibacterial activity
was shown in chloroform: methanol (1: 1) crude extract against salmonella typhi and E. coli
(inhibition diameter 21.50 mm and 21.00 mm respectively). Whereas maximum antifungal
activity was observed by chloroform: methanol (1: 1) crude extract against A. niger (23.50 mm)
than Fusarium (18.60 mm). Therefore chloroform: methanol extract was significant in
antimicrobial activities. Thus the present study supported the traditional claims of the plant.
