ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF CALABASH LEAF EXTRACTS
ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF CALABASH LEAF EXTRACTS 1
Antimicrobial screening of Calabash (Crescentia cujete) leaf extracts
Alabel National Science High School
Regional Science High School for Region 12
Alabel, Sarangani Province
Shaina Michaela V. Heyres
Researcher
Shiela P. Butil, OPD
Research Adviser
August 29, 2013
ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF CALABASH LEAF EXTRACTS 2
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
There are hundreds of plants worldwide that are known for its medicinal agents used in both traditional and modern medicine for many purposes that include bacterial and fungal infections (Obafemi Akinpelu Taiwoo Adeloye 2006). According to history, the use of plants in curing illnesses has been practiced since the human civilization began, and has deep roots within traditions and cultures. Ethnopharmacological practices had been recorded prominent among Nigerian people. Nowadays, they continually play a role in primary health practices. Over the years there have been alarming reports of multiple drug resistance in medically important strains of bacteria and fungi (Ozumba, 2003; Aibinu et al., 2004). The persistent increase in antibiotic resistant strains of organismshave led to the development of more potent antibiotics such as 3rdand 4thgeneration of Cephalosporin by pharma-ceutical companies (Odugbemi, 2006). Many published reports have shown the effectiveness of traditional herbs against microorganisms. Over the years, plants became one of the bedrock medicinal sources for modern medicines to attain new principles in curing different types of illnesses (Evans 2002).
The Calabash (Crescentia cujete Linn) is a smooth, much-branched tree growing to a height of 4 to 5 meters. The tree’s branches are arching with close-set clusters of leaves. The leaves’ growing patterns are alternate, often fascicled at the nodes, oblanceolate and measures 5 to 17 centimeters
Antimicrobial screening of Calabash (Crescentia cujete) leaf extracts
Alabel National Science High School
Regional Science High School for Region 12
Alabel, Sarangani Province
Shaina Michaela V. Heyres
Researcher
Shiela P. Butil, OPD
Research Adviser
August 29, 2013
ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF CALABASH LEAF EXTRACTS 2
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
There are hundreds of plants worldwide that are known for its medicinal agents used in both traditional and modern medicine for many purposes that include bacterial and fungal infections (Obafemi Akinpelu Taiwoo Adeloye 2006). According to history, the use of plants in curing illnesses has been practiced since the human civilization began, and has deep roots within traditions and cultures. Ethnopharmacological practices had been recorded prominent among Nigerian people. Nowadays, they continually play a role in primary health practices. Over the years there have been alarming reports of multiple drug resistance in medically important strains of bacteria and fungi (Ozumba, 2003; Aibinu et al., 2004). The persistent increase in antibiotic resistant strains of organismshave led to the development of more potent antibiotics such as 3rdand 4thgeneration of Cephalosporin by pharma-ceutical companies (Odugbemi, 2006). Many published reports have shown the effectiveness of traditional herbs against microorganisms. Over the years, plants became one of the bedrock medicinal sources for modern medicines to attain new principles in curing different types of illnesses (Evans 2002).
The Calabash (Crescentia cujete Linn) is a smooth, much-branched tree growing to a height of 4 to 5 meters. The tree’s branches are arching with close-set clusters of leaves. The leaves’ growing patterns are alternate, often fascicled at the nodes, oblanceolate and measures 5 to 17 centimeters