1.1 Introduction
Gliricidia sepium is a leguminous tree and belongs to the family Fabaceae. The tree is used in many tropical and sub-tropical countries for various purposes such as live fencing, fodder, coffee shade, firewood, green manure and rat poison. Gliricidia Sepium Medicinal Plants are considered a repository of numerous types of bioactive compounds possessing varied therapeutic properties. The therapeutic potential of plants has been well explored over a very long time period (Raina et al., 2014). Knowledge of the Gliricidia Sepium Medicinal Plants used in the drugs of traditional systems of medicine (TSM) has been of great significance, especially as a lead for the discovery of new singlemolecule medicines for modern system of medicine.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Plant material have been shown to posses potential for development as new antimicrobial agents and they may have the advantage over conventional type in terms of low mammalian toxicity, rapid degradation and local availability. Gliricidia sepium is a medium-sized tree and can grow to from 10 to 12 meters high. The bark is smooth and its color can range from a whitish gray to deep red-brown. It has composite leaves that can be 30 cm long. Each leaf is composed of leaflets that are about 2 to 7 cm long and 1 to 3 cm wide. The flowers are located on the end of branches that have no leaves. These flowers have a bright pink to lilac color that is tinged with white. Gliricidia sepium is a tropical, multipurpose, fast-growing legume that has been recommended for use in reclaiming derelict ecosystems and in agroforestry (Nair, 1984).
Toxicity well known in cases, where the leaves or the ground bark, mixed with cooked maize are used as a rodenticide. There are many compounds in Gliricidia sepium. Major compounds of the leaf oil are found to be propylene glycol, coumarin, hydroquinone, myrtenol etc. The most researched one are the tannins. Gliricidia was found to contain 40.7g of condensed tannins/kg dry matter. The insecticidal efficacy of the legume against the late third instar larvae of Anopheles stephansi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quiquefasciatus were reported by Nirmal S and et al. (1998).
Gliricidia, which literally means “Ratpoison” originated in central America and its plantation, has spread to many parts of the world specifically South Asia. The plant is used for fuel wood, animal feed, green manure, shade, living fences and as support plants (Csurhes et al., 1998). The leaves can be used as fodder for cattle that improves their health and increases milk yield. It is an ideal for fattening cattle fold, the valuable feed resources improve the weight. Nematicidal property of extract was observed in different concentration, mosquito’s repellent activity has been studied against Aedes aegypti and the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract against E. coli, S.aureus, Pseudomonas spp., S.typhi, Klebsillia spp were reported by Rahila N and et al. (2008).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know Phytochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Gliricidia Sepium.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that herbal plants can be easily contaminated during growth, processing and collection. Adulteration and heavy metal contamination are the two major problems reported in Herbal medicines. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the quality and quantity of bioactive compounds for developing new herbal drug and keep pace with other drug discovery efforts (Dash et al., 2001). Today, there are several Gliricidia Sepium Medicinal Plants and their bioactive agents have been scientifically and clinically evaluated by Investigators.
There are also challenges on obtaining plant feedstock to large scale phytochemicals production, mainly because of two factors: finding the right maturation stage of the plant and hormonal responses to environmental factors. Both of them can interfere on the production of the secondary metabolites. Besides that, there’s also the problem of certain species aren’t available globally or in extinction (De La Parra and Quave, 2017).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to identify Phytochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Gliricidia Sepium. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the minimal inhibitory concentration of Gliricidia Sepium;
- To examine the antimicrobial screening of Gliricidia Sepium extract; and
- To test the organisms diameter in Gliricidia Sepium at different concentrations.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the minimal inhibitory concentration of Gliricidia Sepium?
- What is the antimicrobial screening of Gliricidia Sepium extract?
- What is the organisms’ diameter in Gliricidia Sepium at different concentrations?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of this research focuses on the Phytochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Gliricidia Sepium in Nigeria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection.
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