PROXIMATE ANALYSIS, PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPONENT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF PERSEA AMERICANA

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to isolate, characterize and identify some infectious pathogens, aim at investigating the proximate analysis, phytochemical constituents, and antimicrobial activity of Avocado seed (Persea americana) seeds. Standard Microbiological techniques were employed to isolate three species of bacteria, namely; Escherichia coll. Staphyloccus aureus and Bacilus subritts. The fungal species were Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The proximate analysis carried out, revenled the seeds to contain 6.13% protein. 4.19% fat, and 76.23% carbohydrates, along with 2.78% moisture and 4.0% ash content. Crude extracts were obtained, employing the standard Inboratory techniques of pharmacognosy. The phytochemical screening of the crude extract revealed some important bioactive constituents to include; alkaloids. saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins. phlobotannins and anthraquinones. Results of the antimicrobial activity of the extract revealed that the ethanol extract had more antimicrobial efficacy than the aqueous extract at different concentrations. antimicrobial activity of this extract is due to the effect of the different phytochemicals present. S. aureus, E colt, B. subtilis and C. albicans showed higher susceptibility to the crude extracts than . niger. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the aqueous ranged from 25mg/ml - 100mg/ml while that of the ethanel extract tanged from 12.5mg/ml- 50mg/ml. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the aqueous extract ranged from 50mg/ml - 125mg/ml with A niger having high MIC and MBC values which shows high resistance ngainst the extract. The results of the findings of this study suggest that Avocado seeds (Persed americana) shows a nutrient rich profile and natural antimicrobial activity and this has potential application in food and pharmaceutical industry.