Antibacterial activity and acute toxicity studies of culinary leaves from Corchorus olitorius L., Vigna unguiculata L. Walp and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. used in the North of Cote d'Ivoire

Methanol extracts of leaves from Corchorus olitorius, Vigna unguiculata and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. were investigated for their antibacterial activity and their acute toxicity in rats. Antibacterial activities were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibacterial tests of each extract were evaluated by agar disc-diffusion method with Mueller Hinton Media. All extracts were bacteriostatic on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coliand Pseudomonas aeruginosa at MBC of 1.5 mg/ml with MIC value greater than 30mg/ml. Acute toxicity studies were carried out based on OECD guidelines. Animals were orally administered a single dose of 5, 50, 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight. Signs of toxicity and mortality were noted after 1, 4 and 24h of administration of extract for 14 days. Highest dose administered (2000mg/kg body weight) did not produce mortality or any changes in the general behavior of tested animals. These results indicate the safety of oral administration of methanolic extracts from the leaves of C. olitorius, V. unguiculata and H. sabdariffa.