Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activities of combretum molle stem bark extract for management of respiratory tract infections

Abstract

Respiratory tract infections affect both the upper and lower respiratory parts of the respiratory system. It’s caused by the bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae. 9 million Ugandans are reported to have symptoms of respiratory tract infections after every two weeks in the primary health care centres and over 2 million people die each year. Traditionalists and herbalists in Uganda have adapted to using Combretum molle regulate the cases of respiratory tract infections. Therefore, this Study was to investigate the phytochemical composition of C.molle for antibacterial activities, analyze the phytochemical composition of C.molle and to evaluate the efficacy of C.molle stem back extract against antibacterial activities. The crude extract of C.molle was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and antimicrobial tests. The phytochemical tests were carried out using standard methods of analysis and these investigations revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, Quinones, tannins, Saponins and Glycosides while terpenoids and steroids were not present in the crude extract. An herbal syrup was formulated and named CODEM 40. This could top to greater protection and assistance to people in managing respiratory tract infections. Therefore, additional studies and elucidation of the active compounds so as to provide a new or principal component for production of new drugs can be opened up further studies to investigate the toxicity of C.molle herbal products before their recommendation for use.