MINERAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL, AND ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF Pterocarpus erinaceus (stem bark and leave) EXTRACTS
Shafii Musa Abubakar, Dadi Nancwat, and Zwalchir Hassimu Japhet
Department of Chemical Sciences, The Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State
Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (Fabaceae), widely known as African rosewood or bar-wood, is a potential tree of high ethnomedicinal and economic significance across West Africa. This study presents a comprehensive experimental analysis focused on phytochemical screening, antimicrobial activity, and essential mineral composition of P. erinaceus stem bark and leaves collected from Pitchi area, Bida Niger State, Nigeria. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, steroids, glycosides, and terpenoids, with the highest concentration generally observed in the stem bark. Agar well diffusion assays demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, as well as the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Mineral analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry indicated substantial quantities of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. These results confirm the traditional uses of P. erinaceus for treatment of various infectious and inflammatory disorders with potentials as a source of bio-active compounds and nutritional supplements. Recommendations are provided for further research on isolation of bio-active constituents, toxicological assessment, and conservation measures to ensure sustainable utilization.