DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2023.v11i09.029

Pages: 1693-1698

Studies on antimicrobial and phytochemical activities of garlic on Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans isolated from HVS samples and female students with urinary tract infection were investigated. Garlic is used in many homes as condiment or as flavoring agent. The garlic used was purchased from Eke market Agbani in Nkanu West Enugu State Nigeria. Ten Urine and HVS samples were collected from female students using a universal container and swab sticks. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis was done using standard methods. The powder of garlic was macerated in ethanol and chloroform to produce crude extract reconstituted with distilled water to concentrations of 200mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 50mg/ml, 25mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml. The ethanol and chloroform extract of garlic obtained was used to evaluate antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Also, minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. The garlic extract contained alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and saponins. The inhibitory effect of ethanol extract started at 200mg/ml with inhibition zones of 2mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. MIC result for garlic extract on Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans showed that the extract has inhibitory effect at low concentration of 50mg/ml and inhibition increased at 100mg/ml. Ethanol extract was the most effective extract retarding microbial growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. This study however, justify the use of garlic extract in traditional medicine practice as a therapeutic agent. In cases where possible, the ethanol extracts of garlic should be used at a concentration up to 100mg/ml so as to give a better treatment.