Garcinia kola seeds and leaves were screened for their anti bacterial activities using 1% hydrochloric acid, diethylether, acetic acid (ethanoic acid) and acetone. The seeds and leaves were dried and ground into powdered form. 10g of the ground seeds and leaves were in four sets. 90ml of the extraction solvents was added to each set. The seed and leaf extracts were tested on clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Streptococcus pyogenes using Agar Diffusion Method. Acetic acid seed and leaf extract showed the highest degree of zones of inhibition of 44mm and 37mm respectively against all the test organisms. The other extracts showed no inhibitory effect on the test organisms. The mechanism of action of the seed and leaf extract on the four bacteria had leakage of both protein and potassium (K+) ions. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of some bioactive components like alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides. These components determine the antibacterial activity of the seed and leaf extracts. The results from this study, provides scientific evidence that Garcinia kola has the capability of inhibiting the growth of pathogenic micro organisms; thus it will be useful in tropical medicine for the treatment of microbial infections.

Keyword:Garcinia kola, Clinical isolates, Zone of inhibition, Protein and potassium ions leakage, Phytochemical screening

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