Assessment of Phytochemical Constituents and Antibiogram Activities of Vegetables Sold in Owerri, IMO State Nigeria

Phytochemical and antibiogram activities of vegetables sold at Relief Market Owerri were investigated. Ugu leaves (Telfairia Occidentalis), Scent leaves (Ocimum gratissimum), Water leaves (Talinum fruticosum), and Oha leaves, (Pterocarpus mildraedii) were analysed. The vegetable samples were aseptically collected, blended, serially diluted, cultured and incubated. Standard microbiological and 16S rRNA gene sequencing method were used in the isolation and identification of bacteria. Soxhlex apparatus was used to extract active ingredients from vegetables. Methanol and hot water extracts of the vegetable samples were used against identified isolates. The Total heterophilic bacteria count ranged from 2.7-3.8 x 105 cfu/g; Total Coliform count ranged from 1.1-2.3 x 105 cfu/g; and Total Salmonella Shigella count ranged from 2.5-3.4 x 105 cfu/g. Five bacteria isolates Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were identified while the tannin, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponin and steroids were extracted from the vegetables. Percentage growth inhibition of bacteria by methanol extract was greater than hot water extract. Percentage growth inhibition of bacteria by methanol and hot water extract of scent leaves at 200mg/ml gave the highest inhibition followed by oha leaves, ugu leaves, while water leaves gave the least growth inhibition. Vegetables should be thoroughly washed and cooked before consumption.