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The methanol leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis was analyzed for its bioactive components, in-vitro antioxidant, antidepressant, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory activities using established methods. The phytochemicals detected were saponins, tannins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids and eugenols. The total phenolic content (TPC) was 36.48 mgGAE/g, while the total flavonoid content (TFC) was 145.92 mgQE/g of the extract. 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity gave an IC50 of 185.02 and 5.15 µg/mL for the extract and ascorbic acid (standard), respectively. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) was greater than 5000 mg/kg, while graded doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the plant extract relieved depression in mice to 93.3, 100 and 80.8%, respectively when compared with 10 mg/kg amitriptyline (positive control). A significant anxiety reduction, exemplified by a decrease in the frequency of head dip, was observed for animals administered with the plant extract compared with untreated control (p < 0.05). The reduction of formalin-induced paw edema was significant (p < 0.01) at 50 mg/kg of the plant extract, when compared with the control. The methanol extract of J. tanjorensis leaf is therefore a potential source of plant medicine with remarkable pharmacological activities. Keywords: Jatropha tanjorensis; anxiolytic; antidepressant; anti-inflammatory; antioxidant; phytochemicals

Mercury (Hg) exposure is known to damage vital components of the central nervous system primarily through oxidative stress. Although Phyllanthus amarus (PA) is reported to be rich in antioxidants, there is a dearth of relevant research evidence to show its protective activity against Mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced neurotoxicity. Accordingly, this study was designed to investigate the possible protective activity of aqueous Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract (APALE) in HgCl2-exposed rats using standard neurobehavioral assessments. Thirty adult Wistar rats were randomized into six groups of five rats each viz: A: Control, distilled water; B: HgCl2 (4 mg/kg body wt.); C: APALE (200 mg/kg body wt.) + HgCl2 (4 mg/kg); D: APALE (400 mg/kg body wt.) + HgCl2 (4 mg/kg); E: APALE (200 mg/kg body wt.); F: APALE (400 mg/kg body wt.). All administrations were through an orogastric tube for 14 days. Thereafter, neurobehavioral tests (open field, novel object and Y-maze) were done and experimental rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Body, brain and cerebellar weights were examined across all groups. HgCl2 exposure significantly (p

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health challenge with over 360 million people infected worldwide, and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSAg) is the most important marker for HBV screening, and HBSAg rapid screening test methods are the most widely used compared with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nucleic acid testing methods. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the comparative efficacy of rapid test kits and ELISA for HBV screening among pregnant women on antenatal visits and to screen for other HBV serological markers among HBsAg positive patients. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study of 172 pregnant women who were recruited consecutively on their first antenatal visit at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between November 2018 and February 2019. All participants were screened for HBsAg using both rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) and ELISA techniques. HBsAg negative samples were further screened for anti-HBeAg/Ab, anti-HBcAg and anti-HBs by ELISA. Socio-demographic data of the participants were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire, and data were analyzed using EPI INFO 7.2 statistical software. Results: The prevalence rate of HBsAg among pregnant women in this study was 10.5% (18/172). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) of the rapid ICT kit were 72.2%, 97.4%, 94.8%, 76.5% and 96.8% respectively. Level of education, previous history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and previous positive HBV results were significantly associated with HBsAg seropositivity. Majority of the pregnant women (66.9%) tested negative to all the serological markers. Conclusion: The low efficacy of rapid ICT kits compared to ELISA justifies the need to develop a safer antenatal screening strategy for HBV by combining the use of the less sensitive rapid screening techniques with the more sensitive ELISA method to limit vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus. Keywords: Hepatitis B virus; Rapid ICT kits; ELISA; pregnant women French title: Infection par le virus de l'hépatite B chez les femmes enceintes en consultation prénatale: tests rapides ou ELISA? Contexte: L'infection par le virus de l'hépatite B (VHB) est un défi de santé publique mondial avec plus de 360 million de personnes infectées dans le monde et est l'une des principales causes de décès dans le monde. L'antigène de surface de l'hépatite B (HBSAg) est le marqueur le plus important pour le dépistage du VHB, et les méthodes de test de dépistage rapide HBSAg sont les plus largement utilisées par rapport aux méthodes de test immuno-enzymatique (ELISA) et d'acide nucléique. Les objectifs de cette étude sont d'évaluer l'efficacité comparative des kits de tests rapides et de l'ELISA pour le dépistage du VHB chez les femmes enceintes lors de consultations prénatales et de dépister d'autres marqueurs sérologiques du VHB chez les patients AgHBs positifs. Méthodologie: Il s'agit d'une étude transversale de 172 femmes enceintes qui ont été recrutées consécutivement lors de leur première visite prénatale à l'Hôpital Universitaire, Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigéria entre novembre 2018 et février 2019. Tous les participants ont été dépistés pour l'AgHBs en utilisant les deux tests immuno-chromatographiques rapides (TIC) et techniques ELISA. Les échantillons négatifs à l'AgHBs ont en outre été criblés pour l'anti-HBeAg/Ab, l'anti-HBcAg et l'anti-HBs par ELISA. Les données sociodémographiques des participants ont été obtenues à l'aide d'un questionnaire semi-structuré et les données ont été analysées à l'aide du logiciel statistique EPI INFO 7.2. Résultats: Le taux de prévalence de l'HBSAg chez les femmes enceintes dans cette étude était de 10,5% (18/172). La sensibilité, la spécificité, la précision, la valeur prédictive positive (VPP) et la valeur prédictive négative (VPN) du kit ICT rapide étaient respectivement de 72,2%, 97,4%, 94,8%, 76,5% et 96,8%. Le niveau d'éducation, les antécédents d'infections sexuellement transmissibles (IST) et les résultats positifs antérieurs pour le VHB étaient significativement associés à la séropositivité de l'AgHBs. La majorité des femmes enceintes (66,9%) ont été testées négatives pour tous les marqueurs sérologiques. Conclusion: La faible efficacité des kits TIC rapides par rapport à l'ELISA justifie la nécessité de développer une stratégie de dépistage prénatal plus sûre du VHB en combinant l'utilisation des techniques de dépistage rapide moins sensibles avec la méthode ELISA plus sensible pour limiter la transmission verticale du virus de l'hépatite B. Mots clés: virus de l'hépatite B; Kits TIC rapides; ELISA; femmes enceintes

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among school children of Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. The correlation between their various activities like source of water, type of toilet, method of washing hands with the infection were examined. 250 stool samples of participants consisting of 111 males and 139 females were examined using the formol-ether concentration method. Questionnaires were administered to the children to collect information on Sociodemographic activities. The overall prevalence rate of the various parasitic infections was 16(6.4%), with 6(5.4%) prevalence rate of infection among males and 10(7.2%) among the females. From the study, the age group of 10-13 years old have high rate of infection 13(9.8%) followed by 6-9years old 3(4.4%).Sex did not (p0.05) but age affected it significantly The children with Ascaris lumbricoides recorded the highest prevalence rate of 6(2.4%), followed by Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale) infection 3(1.2%); Enterobius vermicularis 2(0.8%); Entamoeba coli 2(0.8%); Schistosoma japonicum 1(0.4%); Strongyloides stercoralis 1(0.4%) and Round worm 1(0.4%). The results further support public education on good personal hygiene and the dangers of open defeacation in fields and water ways.

Background: Swine production in Nigeria is encountering several constraints among which are diseases. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of swine with respect to sex, age, location and hygiene practices in the breeding sites in three piggery farms; University of Benin Animal Farm; Osasio Farm Uselu in Egor Local Government Area (LGA), and Ojemai Farm Ekehuanwa Road, Oredo LGA, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 150 pigs were sampled from the 3 piggery farms. Faecal sample (10g each) was aseptically collected from the rectum of each selected pig and processed by concentration method to microscopically identify parasites in both saline and iodine preparations. A designed pre-tested structured questionnaire was interviewer-administered to each piggery owner to collect information on husbandry practices, animal health care issues and potential risk factors associated with parasitosis. Data was analysed using SPPSS version 20 software, while odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated on each potential risk factors. Results: Of the 150 pigs examined, 130 (86.6%) were infected with five gastrointestinal parasitic agents. Strongyloides ransomi 81 (54%) was the most frequently identified parasite, followed by Ascaris suum 68 (45.3%), Giardia lamblia 31 (20.6%), Entamoeba polecki 10 (6.6%) and Trichuris suis 10 (6.6%). Single and mixed infections were not significantly associated with the observed prevalence (p>0.05). Similarly, the sex of pig was not significantly associated with the prevalence of parasites (p=0.8824). The prevalence of parasitosis among the grower (87.8%) was not significantly different from the adult swine (87.5%) (p>0.05). Osasio had the highest infection rate (90.0%) but this rate was not significantly different from the two other farms (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study confirms high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in pigs bred in Edo State, Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that farmers improve on their biosecurity and adhere to routine de-worming regimen of pigs. Keywords: age, gender, prevalence, gastrointestinal, parasite, swine French title: Parasites gastro-intestinaux chez les porcs élevés dans l'État d'Edo, au Nigéria Contexte: La production porcine au Nigéria rencontre plusieurs contraintes parmi lesquelles les maladies. Cette étude a été conçue pour déterminer la prévalence des parasites gastro-intestinaux des porcs en fonction du sexe, de l'âge, de l'emplacement et des pratiques d'hygiène dans les sites de reproduction de trois porcheries; Ferme animale de l'Université du Bénin; Osasio Farm Uselu dans la région du gouvernement local d'Egor (LGA) et Ojemai Farm Ekehuanwa Road, Oredo LGA, Benin City, État d'Edo, Nigéria. Méthodes: Au total, 150 porcs ont été échantillonnés dans les 3 fermes porcines. Un échantillon fécal (10 g chacun) a été prélevé de manière aseptique dans le rectum de chaque porc sélectionné et traité par une méthode de concentration pour identifier au microscope les parasites dans les préparations salines et d'iode. Un questionnaire structuré pré-testé conçu a été administré par un intervieweur à chaque propriétaire de porcherie pour recueillir des informations sur les pratiques d'élevage, les problèmes de santé animale et les facteurs de risque potentiels associés à la parasitose. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide du logiciel SPPSS version 20, tandis que les rapports impairs (OR) avec des intervalles de confiance (IC) à 95% ont été calculés sur chacun des facteurs de risque potentiels. Résultats: Sur les 150 porcs examinés, 130 (86,6%) ont été infectés par cinq agents parasitaires gastro-intestinaux. Strongyloides ransomi 81 (54%) était le parasite le plus fréquemment identifié, suivi par Ascaris suum 68 (45,3%), Giardia lamblia 31 (20,6%), Entamoeba polecki 10 (6,6%) et Trichuris suis 10 (6,6%). Les infections simples et mixtes n'étaient pas associées de manière significative à la prévalence observée (p>0,05). De même, le sexe du porc n'était pas significativement associé à la prévalence des parasites (p=0,8824). La prévalence de la parasitose chez le producteur (87,8%) n'était pas significativement différente de celle des porcs adultes (87,5%) (p>0,05). Osasio avait le taux d'infection le plus élevé (90,0%) mais ce taux n'était pas significativement différent des deux autres fermes (p>0,05). Conclusion: Cette étude confirme la forte prévalence des infections parasitaires gastro-intestinales chez les porcs élevés dans l'État d'Edo, au Nigeria. Il est donc recommandé que les éleveurs améliorent leur biosécurité et adhèrent au régime vermifuge de routine des porcs. Mots-clés: âge, sexe, prévalence, gastro-intestinal, parasite, porcin

Methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are gaining global attention, largely due to their potential public health significance. In the current study, we investigated the prevalence of MRSA in poultry birds from Benson Idahosa University farm. Twenty-five samples each from poultry droppings, cloacae and nostrils were collected aseptically and screened for total heterotrophic and Staphylococcus aureus counts usingstandard culture-based methods. Phenotypic identification of MRSA was carried out using mannitol-oxacillin agar, while the presence of virulence genes (mecA, entA, entB, entC, SCCmec (I, II, III) and tsstI) was investigated by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. Also, the antibiogramic activities and multi drug-resistant index were investigated against 6 clinically relevant antibiotics (oxacillin (1 μg), vancomycin (30 μg), ceftazidime (30 μg), ceftriaxone (30 μg), amikacin (30 μg) and ofloxacin (5 μg)). The results showed that total heterotrophic bacterial and S. aureus are prevalent in poultry birds, with mean heterotrophic counts of 243.08 ± 21.01 × 105 cfu, 169.37 ± 25.30 × 105 cfu and 216 ± 15.89× 105 cfu for poultry droppings, cloacae and nostrils respectively and mean S. aureus counts of 176.30 ± 28.85 × 105 cfu for poultry droppings, 16.52 ± 11.92 × 105 cfu for cloacae and 5 2.72 ± 0.41 × 105 cfu for nostrils. Interestingly, 93.33%, 25% and 10.5% of S. aureus isolated from the droppings, cloacae and nostrils respectively were methicillin resistant. The antibiogramic activities showed the majority of isolates to be multi drug-resistant, while only one MRSA (from poultry droppings) had the mecA gene. The presence of these isolates in poultry birds is of a potential public health concern as they may travel through the food chain and efforts should be made by poultry owners to avoid the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Keywords: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Poultry; Public Health; Virulence Gene

Purpose: To investigate the neuroprotective activity of the aqueous extract of Sutherlandia frutescens (SF) against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Methods: SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were divided into different treatment groups: untreated cells, cells treated with MPP+ alone (2 mM), cells pretreated with SF (20 μg) prior to MPP+ (2 mM) treatment and cells treated with SF (20 μg) alone. Twenty-four hours after treatment with MPP+, cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, and changes in cell morphology, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as well as caspases 3/7 and 9 activities were determined. Results: Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with MPP+ alone significantly altered cellular morphology, increased ROS production (p = 0.005), induced a significant loss of MMP (p = 0.0011) and caused significant apoptotic cell death, via the activation of caspases 3/7 and 9 (p ≤ 0.0359). These effects were however significantly (p ≤ 0.0359) attenuated in cells pre-treated with the aqueous leaf extract of SF, indicating the possible neuroprotective activity of the SF extract. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of SF may be neuroprotective against MPP+-induced toxicity via apoptotic cell death and inhibition of ROS production. Further mechanistic studies are required to validate the results of the present study using additional PD models, different extract preparations and active compounds derived from SF. Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, MPP+, Sutherlandia frutescens, Reactive oxygen species, Apoptosis, Neurodegeneration

Peltophorum pterocarpum (family; Fabaceae) is an evergreen perennial crop grown in tropical gardens. Different parts of this tree are being used for the management of many diseases. This study investigated the acute toxicity, analgesic and anti-inflammatory potentials of n-hexane extract of P. pterocarpum stem bark. Acute oral toxicity of n-hexane extract of P. pterocarpum stem bark was investigated using standard method. Analgesic activity was investigated by using acetic acid-induced writhing model, using indomethacin as a reference drug. Antiinflammatory activity of n-hexane extract of P. pterocarpum stem bark was investigated by using formalin-induced paw licking model, using aspirin as standard drug. In the acute toxicity study, mortality was observed at 500 and 2500 mg/kg body weight. In the acetic acid induced writhing test, the n-hexane extract of P. pterocarpum (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) showed a significant reduction in the number of writhing with 55.5 % and 60 % of inhibition respectively. In formalin-induced rat paw oedema test for acute inflammation, the n-hexane extract of P. pterocarpum in 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight showed 26.00 %, 27.89 % and 32.27 % inhibition of oedema respectively after 4hours, which is comparable to that of standard drug-aspirin (33.59 %). These results validated that the extract of P. pterocarpum possesses significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Keywords : Peltophorum pterocarpum, acute toxicity, analgesic activity, anti-inflammatory activity

Purpose : To assess the safety of ethanol extract of Uvaria chamae root consumption for the treatment of diseases in traditional medicine. Methods : Uvaria chamae was extracted with ethanol, and administered orally to rats at doses ranging from 200 to 5000 mg/kg/day for 28 days while distilled water was administered to the control group, the survived animals (43 %), were then euthanized, and blood collected for biochemical and haematological markers. Histopathological examination of the pancreas, liver and kidney sections were also done. Results : There was a significant (p < 0.05) elevation in serum AST and a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in LDH at 500 mg and 200 mg respectively. Serum BUN was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced, while chloride and potassium ions were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated at 200 and 500 mg respectively. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCHC) at 200 mg, and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in platelets at 500 mg/kg of extract. Examination of haematoxylin and eosin stained sections of pancreas showed well-formed islets; mild portal vascular congestion in liver sections; and periportal and interstitial infiltrates of lymphocytes in the liver and kidney sections of the surviving animals respectively. Conclusion : The consumption of extract at low doses may not be harmful. Keywords : Uvaria chamae, Safety, Kidney, Liver, Pancreas, Toxicity

Parasitism of Trichostrongylid nematode is a world-wide problem for both small and large scale farmers and is a great threat to the livestock industry and also a major constraint to the wellbeing and productive performance of ruminant animals. This study was carried out to determine the effect of Trichostrongylid nematode in sheep. The study was carried out in Aduwawa, Ugbiyokho, Oluku and Airport road in Edo State in 2015. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) sheep were examined for the present of gastrointestinal parasite. Sedimentation technique was used in examining the faecal sample for the presence of the GIT pararsites. The prevalence of eggs and larvae of H. contortus were 71.3% and 15.3%, Trichostrongylus species were 61.3% and 7.3%, O. ostertagii were 42.7% and 6.7% respectively. Among 150 faecal sample examined, 103 (68.67%) were found positive for Trichostrongylid infection. Grazing time, consistency of faeces and weight are factors having significant impact on the infection in sheep. Sheep that graze in the evening had the highest prevalence (82%), faecal samples that were unformed had the highest prevalence (85.71%) and sheep with weight range of 10kg-30kg showed the highest prevalence (97.96%). Chi-Square Test used to determine the relationships between age and location, had no significant impact on the prevalence of infection. These factors need to be considered in the control of trichostrongylid nematode infection but more emphasis should be given to improvement of hygiene, regular de-worming and frequent diagnosis of trichostrongylid nematode and management of infected animals. Keywords : Age, Consistency of faeces, Gastrointestinal parasites, Grazing time, Sheep, Trichostrongylid nematode, Weight

Purpose: To evaluate the anti-vibrio potentials of acetone and aqueous leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and determine its relevance in the treatment of vibrios infection. Methods: The agar-well diffusion method was used for screening the extracts for their anti-vibrio activity. Broth micro-dilution assay was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts. Time-kill assay was used to assess bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic activity. Results: The acetone extract showed activity against 47.5 % (19/40) of the test bacteria, while the aqueous extract had activity against 30 % (12/40). MIC and MBC values range for the acetone extract were 0.625 – 5.0 mg/mL and 2.5 – 10 mg/mL respectively. The range of MIC exhibited by the antibiotic (gentamicin) against the vibrios is 0.002 mg/mL and >0.256 mg/mL. Significant reduction in the bacterial density was at 2 × MIC after a 4 h interaction period, while bacterial density after 6 and 8 h interactions with extract was highly bactericidal. Growth inhibition and efficacy of the crude acetone extract were observed to be both concentration- and time-dependent. Conclusion: The bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities observed for Ocimum gratissimum leaf suggest that the plant is a potential source of bioactive components that may be effective in the treatment of vibrios infections.

Ficus exasperata is an important medicinal plant with a wide geographical distribution in Africa particularly in Nigeria. In this study, aqueous stem bark extracts of Ficus exasperata were administered to investigate its hepatoprotective effects on Paracetamol induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats. A total of Twenty Five Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups labeled A-E and kept in a well ventilated room. Group A served as control and were treated with distilled water. Rats in groups B-E were all treated with Paracetamol (800mg/kg body weight) but rats in group C, D and E were however pretreated with Silymarin (50 mg/kg bw), 100mg/kg bw aqueous stem bark extracts of Ficus exasperata and 200mg/kg bw aqueous stem bark extracts of Ficus exasperata respectively one hour before Paracetamol administration for fourteen days. Animals were sacrificed twenty four hours after the last treatment. Blood samples were collected into heparinized bottles for biochemical estimation of liver enzymes and the liver was harvested for routine histological examination. Paracetamol produced significant changes in biochemical parameters (increases in serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), with a reduction in Total protein) and Liver histology (damage to hepatocytes). Pretreatment with Silymarin and aqueous stem bark extracts of Ficus exasperata significantly prevented the biochemical and histological changes induced by Paracetamol in the liver. In conclusion, our histological and biochemical findings indicate that aqueous stem bark extracts of Ficus exasperata possesses hepatoprotective properties. © JASEM

Background: Essential oil from Mesembryanthemum edule leaves have been used by the Eastern Cape traditional healers for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, dysentery, diabetic mellitus, laryngitis and vaginal infections. The investigation of bioactive compounds in the essential oil of this plant could help to verify the efficacy of the plant in the management or treatment of these illnesses. Materials and methods: Various concentrations of the hydro-distilled essential oil, ranging from 0.005-5 mg/ml, were tested against some fungal strains, using the micro-dilution method. Minimum inhibitory activity was compared with four other different crude extracts of hexane, acetone, ethanol and aqueous samples from the same plant. The chemical composition of the essential oil, hexane, acetone and ethanol extracts was determined using GC-MS. Result: GC/MS analysis of the essential oil resulted in the identification of 28 compounds, representing 99.99% of the total oil. Phytoconstituents of hexane, acetone and ethanol extracts yielded a total peak chromatogram of fifty nine compounds. A total amount of 10.6% and 36.61% of the constituents were obtained as monoterpenes and oxygenated monoterpenes. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (3.58%) were relatively low compared to the oxygenated sesquiterpenes (9.28%), while the major concentrated diterpenes and oxygenated diterpenes were 1.43% and 19.24 %, respectively and phytol 12.41%. Total amount of fatty acids and their methyl esters content, present in the oil extract, were found to be 19.25 %. Antifungal activity of the oil extract and four solvent extracts were tested against five pathogenic fungal strains. The oil extract showed antifungal activity against Candida albican, Candida krusei, Candida rugosa, Candida glabrata and Cryptococcus neoformans with MIC ranges of 0.02- 0.31 mg/ml. Hexane extract was active against the five fungal strains with MICs ranging between 0.02-1.25 mg/ml. Acetone extracts were active against C. krusei only at 0.04mg/ml. No appreciable antifungal activity was found in either ethanol or water extracts when compared with commercial antibiotics. Conclusion: The profile of chemical constituents found in M. edule essential oil and its antifungal properties support the use of M. edule by traditional healers as well as in the pharmaceutical and food industries as a natural antibiotic and food preservative.