In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Polyporus Alveolaris on Clinical Pathogens

Abstract

Background: Time immemorial, mushrooms have been used as a part of regular diet due to their nutritional values. They have been found to contain minerals, vitamins and nutritive compounds, proteins, polysaccharides and a low-fat content.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of Polyporus alveolaris mushroom extracts on bacterial and fungal isolates.

Method: Polyporus alveolaris was obtained from different sources in Umuahia North Local Government, Abia state, Nigeria and identified in the Department of Botany, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Polyporus alveolaris was extracted in ethanol, methanol and aqueous solution. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carried out by agar well diffusion technique using National Committee of Clinical Laboratory Standard. Qualilative phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard methods.

Result: The Methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts of Polyporus alveolaris were tested against E.coli, B. cereus, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans and C. glabrata. The different test microorganisms showed varied susceptibility to the test extracts. All the test organisms were well inhibited by ethanol and aqueous extract while methanol extract only inhibited E.coli, P.aeruginosa and C. albicans at varied concentrations ranging between 500 mg/ml and 62.5 mg/ml. Statistically, inhibition of the antibacterial and antifungal control for the test organisms were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the extracts. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponin, carbohydrates and proteins in all the extracts while glycoside, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids were found in some.

Conclusion: The findings of this result suggest that Polyporus alveolaris possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The potential of developing antimicrobials from plants appear rewarding.