ISSN 2169-3048
International Journal of Biochemistry andBiotechnology ISSN: 2169-3048 Vol. 1 (8), pp. 204-208, November, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Review
A review on Gongronema latifolium (Utasi): A novel antibiotic against Staphylococcus aureus related infections
Etta Hannah Edim1*, Uzong Grace Egomi1, Ekpo Uwem F2 and Okon Essien Archibong1
1Biological Science Department, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
2Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]
Received 23 October 2012; Accepted 03 November 2012
Abstract
Over the years, several reports have appeared on Gongronema latifolium a leafy vegetable locally known in the South-eastern part of Nigeria as Utasi or Utazi. The phytochemical constituents, bioactive[E.2] principles, proximate analyses and chemical compositions of the herb have been reported as well as antimicrobial activities and hypoglycaemic effects. This review present available evidence on the antibiotic efficacy of extracts of G. latifolium against, Staphylococcus aureus from literature spanning 6 years from 2006 to 2012. We summarized that G. latifolium is efficacious for the remedy of abscesses, boils, or furuncle on the skin, treatment of bacteremia and other entero- infections caused by S. aureus.
Key words: Utasi, Gongronema latifolium, Staphylococcus aureus, antibacterial, biotechnological tool.