Activity of saponin fraction of Anisopus mannii against some pathogenic microorganisms

Partially purified saponin fraction was obtained from column chromatography of crude saponin precipitate of the aerial part of Anisopus mannii, and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility study against pathogenic microorganisms using the disc diffusion technique. The result of the antimicrobial activity indicated by zone of inhibition of growth ranged from 13.0 to 22.2 mm. The fraction was more potent on Escherichia coli (22.2 mm) and least onKlebsiella pneumoniae (13.0 mm). The saponin fraction showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 30 mgml-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value 40 mgml-1 on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Corynebacterium ulcerans, E. coli, Shigella dysentriae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The spectra of the activity exhibited by the partially purified saponin signify the potential of saponin from A. mannii for the development therapeutic agents against these pathogenic microorganisms.   Key words: Anisopus mannii, saponin fraction, antimicrobial activity, pathogenic microorganisms.