ABSTRACT
Forty-five (45) samples of prepared burukutu from Kaduna were microbiologically examined for microbial isolates using standard methods. Leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium was obtained using ethanol, hot and cold water as solvents. Phytochemical analysis of the plant was carried out using standard chemical methods. Antimicrobial properties of the extracts were evaluated using agar well diffusion method. The mean bacterial count of burukutu samples ranged from 1.2 ± 0.10 × 106 to 8.3 ± 0.30 ×106 cfu/ml in Kachia, 1.6 ± 0.32 × 106 to 5.1 ± 0.44 × 106 cfu/ml (Kajuru) and 1.4 ± 0.21 × 106 to 7.2 ± 0.40 × 106 cfu/ml in Kudan. The mean fungal count ranged from 1.47 ± 0.31 × 106 to 3.87 ± 0.35 × 106 cfu/ml in Kachia, 1.27 ± 0.12 × 106 to 3.37 ± 0.35 × 106 cfu/ml (Kajuru) and 1.50 ± 0.27 × 106 to 4.00 ± 0.30 × 106 cfu/ml in Kudan. Seven bacterial and four fungal species were identified. The phytochemistry of ethanol extracts of G. latifolium leaves showed phenols had the highest concentration of 15.74 ± 0.03 mg/100g and the least was
anthraquinones (0.87±0.02 mg/100g). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the ethanol extract showed that Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus fermentum were most susceptible to the leaf extract of G. latifolium with MIC of 6.25 mg/ml. The leaf extract of G. latifolium have the potential to preserve and extend the shelf-life of burukutu haven inhibited the microorganisms associated with it.
KEYWORDS: Burukutu, Gongronema latifolium, Phytochemical, Proximate