Qualitative Phytochemical ScreeningandIn VitroAntibacterialActivitiesof Crude Akaziraruguma Leaf Extracts

Abstract

The resistance of pathogenic bacteria is a global health dynamic and the time is nowtofind alternative
solutions from plant secondary metabolites.Ageratum conyzoidesL. is a plant known as akaziraruguma
in Rwandaand used to treat wounds and ulcers. This study aimedto evaluate the phytochemical profile
and germicidal efficacy of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Ageratum conyzoides L. grown in
Rwasave wetland.Theleaves were collected and dried under the shed for 10 days, blended into powder
by electric blender and macerated with water and 96% ethanol. Phytochemical screening wasperformed
by followingthe standard procedures and antibacterial activity of the extracts wasexamined by agar well
diffusion method and the inhibition zones were recorded.Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of
different secondary metabolites including alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and saponins
. In this assessment,aqueous and ethanolic extracts exhibited significant inhibitory activity against tested
pathogens with inhibition zones that ranging from6±0.9 mm to 20±0.5 mm of diameter. The minimum
inhibition concentrations range between 0.47 mg/mL and 15.00 mg/mL.The resultsconfirm that the leaves
of akazirarugumacould be the credible source ofantibacterial agents that should be used for therapeutic
purposes and in production of pharmaceuticals.