JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND DISEASES
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2705-2214
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JPHD
Start Year: 2018
Email: jphd@integrityresjournals.org
Biochemical andantibiotic properties of local Nigerian leech (Aliolimnatismichaelseni) saliva extract
https://doi.org/10.31248/JPHD2025.176 | Article Number: 096E71D66 | Vol.8 (1) - April 2026
Received Date: 27 October 2025 | Accepted Date: 03 December 2025 | Published Date: 30 April 2026
Authors: E. D. Ubanwa* and O. S. Nnamani
Keywords: Biochemical, Antibiotic, Aliolimnatis michaelseni, Leech, saliva, therapists.
Leeches have been used extensively in different medical fields for the treatment of various disorders. The local Nigerian leech (Aliolimnatis michaelseni) contains an active biochemical compound in its saliva that can be used by traditional therapists, physicians and researchers as an effective remedy for disease management, especially antibiotic disorders. Biochemical screening of local Nigerian Leech Saliva Extract (LSE) showed positive reactions on Alkaloids, Balsams, Flavonoids, Saponins, reducing Sugar and Cardiac Glycosides, while Steroids, Anthraquinones, and Tennins were negative in chemical constituent screening. The antimicrobial activity of local Nigeria leeches saliva extract (LSE) tested against selected bacterial species using dilution method showed that it has a minimal inhibition Concentration (MIC) activity against Streptococcus pyogenes (360 μg/ml), S. aureus (360μg/ml), E coli (360 μg/ml), P. aeruginosa (360 μg/ml), and B. subtilis (360 μg/ml). Minimal bacteria concentration (MBC) against B. subtilis, S. aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, P. aeruginosa and E. coli are 0.36mg, 3.6mg, 0.36mg, 0.36mg, and 0.36mg respectively. This work has proved the bioactive compound and is likely to be the first work carried out on Biochemical and Antibiotic using local Nigeria Leech (Aliolimnatis michaelseni) saliva extract.
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