Proximate Analysis and Antibacterial Activities of Allium cepa, Allium sativum Capsicum annum and Zingiber officinale

The extracts of Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Capsicum annum and Zingiber officinale were analysed for their antimicrobial properties. The presence of some phytochemical components (Flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, tannins, saponins and amino acids) were confirmed. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were evaluated against four bacterial isolates; Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter aerogenes. Growth inhibition was evaluated by agar well diffusion and tube dilution methods. All the extracts possessed antimicrobial properties in varying degrees. The zones of inhibition were in the range; Allium cepa 9-12 mm, Allium sativumA - 11mm, Capiscum Minum 9 mm and Zingiber officinaleW - 22mm. Ethanolic extracts were more active owing to the inherent solubility of the phytochemical compounds in the solvent. The highest antibacterial activity was exhibited by the ethanolic extract of Zingiber officinale against Enterobacter aerogenes producing mean zone of inhibition of 15mm while ciprofloxacingave28 mm against Proteus mirabilis. The plant extracts showed promising applications in the control of some bacterial agents.