Antibacterial activity of leaves and fruits extract of Tamarindus indica against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Shigella at potiskum yobe state, Nigeria

Abstract

Herbs have been used as medicine since the history of man and herbal preparation have been a major component of all traditional medicine system particularly in Asia, south America and Africa.1 Nevertheless, herbal medicine was the starting point for the western medicine before the latter greatly diversified. An estimate of 75– 90% of rural population of the world still relies on herbs for their healthcare. Thus, in many village market places in Asia, Africa and Latin America, medicinal herbs are sold alone side vegetable and other wares.2 However even in the western culture where herbal medicine seemed to have been forgotten for a long time in preference to synthetic drugs, there is a rethinking and resurgence of herbal remedies. The new direction has been necessitated by high rate of resistance to antibacterial drugs.3