Phytochemicals Quantification, TLC and Antimicrobial Assessment of the Leaves and Fruit Extracts of Lasimorpha Senegalensis (Schott) Araceae

Abstract Background: Lasimorpha senegalensis is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in marshy places and produces a clump of leaves from a short, thick, strongly stoloniferous rhizome. It's been used to treat gonorrhea and dysentery, among other ailments. The leaves can also be used to treat coughs and uneasiness and agitation in bigger dosages. It's also given to pregnant women to help them deliver more quickly. The study aimed to conduct phytochemical screening and evaluate the antimicrobial properties of Lasimorpha senegalensis. The leaves and fruit parts Lasimorpha senegalensis (Schott) Araceae were collected at Korokorosei community in Bayelsa State, air-dried, pulverized and extracted using dichloromethane, ethanol, methanol and water. Flavonoids, saponins, tannins, ketones, and cardiac glycosides were all found to be present. Preliminary thin layer chromatographic screening of the extracts was also done, as well as the antibacterial evaluation of the different fractions using the agar diffusion technique.Results: The phytochemical screening for tannins, cardiac glycoside, ketones, and flavonoids were positive. Inhibition zones for the aqueous fraction at 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/ml for E. coli was 32, 22, 18 and 11 mm respectively, while 8, 9, 10 and 14 mm for Pseudomnas aeruginosa. For the methanolic fraction, at the above concentrations, 10, 11, 14 and 14 nm was observed as zones of inhibition on Escherichia coli, 14, 19, 15, and 20 nm for Pseudomnas aeruginosa, and 19, 20, 20, and 20 nm for Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Furthermore, in the dichloromethane fraction, 13, 20, 19, and 15 nm were observed as zones of inhibition on Escherichia coli, 8, 10, 15, and 15 nm for Pseudomnas aeruginosa, and 20, 15, 20, and 18 nm for Staphylococcus aureus, respectively.Conclusion: It is evident, from the results obtained that the leaf portion of the plants can be used in the treatment of infections caused by E. col, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. With the high amounts of flavonoids observed, it can possibly be employed as an antioxidant and a cardioprotective.