Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Activity of Gardenia aqualla Stem Bark Methanol Extract

Aim: This study was aimed at examining the antimicrobial and wound healing activities of Gardenia aqualla stem bark methanol extract (GASBME) in order to provide scientific basis for its antimicrobial and wound healing properties.

Methodology: Preliminary phytochemical screening was done and antimicrobial activity determined using some pathogenic micro-organisms were evaluated following its wound healing effectiveness in Wistar rats using the model of superficial skin excision wound. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnet’s t-test.

Results: The results of preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrate, cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, alkaloids with anthraquinones being absent. The extract showed antimicrobial activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium ulcerans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Salmonella typhi and significant (p< 0.05, p< 0.001) decrease in wound measurement by the 11th day.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that GASBME possesses antimicrobial activity with wound healing properties that justifies the ethno-medicinal use of the plant in wound/ulcer healings.