Antibacterial Potential of Methanolic Extracts Obtained from Syzygium aromaticum Against Selected Bacteria

Abstract

Syzygium aromaticum or commercially known as clove, is an aromatic dried flower bud from the Myrtaceae family that were used as traditional medicine for over 2000 years in Chine and Ayurveda. Clove can be found abundant in Northern Nigeria, known locally as Konafuru. Historically, clove have been utilised as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic agent. FDA have recognised clove essential oil as a safe food supplement. Cloves contains important phenolic compounds such as eugenol and acetyl eugenol which responsible for its antimicrobial activities. Clove also shows antiviral activity against hepatitis C, influenza, and herpes strains including antibacterial activity against various bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, clove also exhibit antifungal and antiprotozoal properties.