PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF COCONUT WATER (Cocos nucifera L.) AGAINST BACTERIA ISOLATES FROM STUDENTS URINE SAMPLES IN A UNIVERSITY COMMUITY

Abstract

Coconut is a special source of diverse natural compounds that are used in the creation of different pharmaceuticals and commercial goods that are often effective against dermatophytes, bacteria, viruses and fungi. Coconut water is high in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrate, enzymes and phytochemicals. Research has suggested the use of coconut water in the creation of innovative antimicrobial medicines by highlighting its potential as a natural antibacterial agent against bacteria that are resistant to drugs. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of coconut water against bacterial isolates from students urine samples at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra state. A total of 56 urine samples were collected from students while matured Cocos nucifera (L.) samples were purchased from a local market in Anambra state. The test organisms were isolated and identified following standard laboratory procedure. Biochemical test such as indole, citrate, catalase and oxidase were performed. The phytochemical property of the coconut water was determined by testing for tannins, saponins, flavonoids, amino acid, glycosides, terpenes and steroids using the required reagents. The antimicrobial property of the coconut water was determined using agar well diffusion technique and result compared with other antibiotics disc.

Twenty-six (26) test isolates were obtained and they were 17 (65%) Escherichia coli and 9 (35%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The phytochemical result showed that saponins, flavonoids, steroids and glycosides were detected in the coconut water sample. The coconut water exerted no antibacterial effect on all of the test isolates. The phytochemical analysis of the coconut water revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, steroids and glycosides. The coconut water sample showed no antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Therefore coconut water cannot serve as a potential antimicrobial agent.

Keywords: bacteria, coconut water, urine, hostel, phytochemicals