Evaluation of the antibacterial activity, selectivity of action and toxicity of extracts from the roots of Chrysopogon nigritanus (Benth.) Veldkamp (1999).
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In the DR Congo, the development of bacterial resistance has forced a quest for therapeutic alternatives among the conventional drugs. This research focuses on the antibacterial potency, selectivity and biosafety of roots extracts from Chrysopogon nigritanus, known as "Ngongoli" in local. Phytochemical screening indicates a high amount of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins and tannins the active antibacterial agent. Biosafety assays indicate a low cytotoxicity in vitro (IC₅₀>1000 μg/mL on Vero cells) and absence of lethality in vivo in rats (LD₅₀>2000 mg/kg), but a single high dose provokes mild hepatic cytolysis. These initial toxicology results support the use of the plant for topical application. This work thus facilitates the production of an economical, safe and locally delivered gynecological preparation.
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