Z. Aliyu, M. Yusha'u, B. S. Aliyu and D. W. Taura

Department of Microbiology, Bayero University, P.M.B. 3011, Kano- Nigeria; 2Department of Plant Science, Bayero University, P.M.B. 3011, Kano- Nigeria

Abstract:

Dry leaves powder of Cassia sieberiana was extracted using methanol, benzene and aqueous (water) via percolation and soxhlet methods. The extracts were tested for the presence of plant secondary metabolites using standard procedures. The extracts were further tested for anti malarial activity against Plasmodium parasites. The result of phytochemical screening indicates the presence of saponin, tannin, steroid, flavonoid, glycoside, triterpenoid, phytosterol and reducing sugar. It further revealed that the methanolic leaf extracts of Cassia sieberiana is highly effective in destroying Plasmodium parasite belonging to falciparum species, a scientific basis for using Cassia sieberiana as anti malarial plant. It was also established that the extracts exhibited low toxicity level and is therefore not harmful to humans. It is therefore recommended that pharmacological screenings of leaf extracts of Cassia sieberiana as well as the isolation and identification of active compounds of this plant be undertaken.

Keywords: Activity, Cassia sieberiana, Leaf, Extracts, Plasmodium falciparum.