Abstract:
The main objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro antibacterial activities of crude extracts of
the roots of Caylusea abyssinica extracted using different solvents namely methanol, acetone, chloroform and
petroleum ether. The antibacterial activity tests were carried out against Staphylococcus aureus (DSMZ346),
Escherichia coli (KL2DSM 498), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DSMZ 1117) and Salmonella thyphimurium
(ATCC 13311) using agar disk diffusion method. The methanol extract was found to be superior against all the
tested bacterial strains followed by acetone, chloroform and petroleum extract regardless of the solvents
(DEMSO or Tween 20) used to dissolve the crude extracts. Staphylococcus aureus (DSMZ346) was found to
be more sensitive followed by Salmonella thyphimurium (ATCC 13311). Moreover, the methanol extract was
found to be more active than the reference drug (Gentamycine). The qualitative phytochemical analyses were
carried on methanolic crude extract of the root of Caylusea abyssinica. The results showed the presence of
alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols and steroids and absence of cumarins and
anthraquinones. From the present study, it is possible to suggest that the extract could be potential source of
new antimicrobial agents.
