Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Nauclea subdita (Korth) Steud against six pathogenic microorganisms. Methodology and results: Young and matured trees of N. subdita were cut and separated into bark and wood parts, respectively, prior to extraction process. Phytochemical screening tests, antimicrobial activity, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined. Preliminary screening for phytochemical components showed that both young and matured tree had similar constituents. Extracts from matured tree showed more potency in terms of the zones of inhibition sizes than the young tree. Extract of N. subdita was more potent to both marine bacteria, Vibrio parahaemoliticus and V. alginolyticus, while Candida albican and Aspergillus niger were resistant to it. The sensitivity test showed that 500 µg/mL is the optimum concentration for extract of bottom sapwood of mature tree to act as bactericidal. Conclusion, significance and impact study: The results from this study suggest that N. subdita bark and wood extracts may serve as potential source of antimicrobial agents for future development in medicine applications.
Anti-Infective Agents

Objective: To evaluate the aphrodisiac property of Aplysia dactylomela (A. dactylomelan), locally known as 'dugu-dugu', which is one of the sea slug species. Methods: Two types of extractions were used; aqueous and lipid. Three doses of each A. dactylomelan extract, respectively; 50, 100, 200 mg/kg were administered (i.p.) to male mice for mounting behavior test. Sildenafil citrate or Viagra® (5 mg/kg) being positive control while negative control received saline solution. Results: The animals treated with lipid extract at the respective dose exhibited mounting behavior, but the mounting frequency decreased at higher doses (100 and 200 mg/kg). However, all doses of aqueous extract did not show any mounting behavior. Meanwhile, in all doses of lipid extracts administered displayed significant difference (P<0.05) from the positive control. Despite this, only the lipid extract of 50 mg/kg showed significant difference (P<0.05) with negative control. This signifies that lipid extracts especially in dose 50 mg/kg have a substantial effect of aphrodisiac property. In addition, the presence of steroids was detected in the phytochemical screening of lipid extract. Conlusions: The findings from this study provides preliminary scientific evidence that A. dactylomela could be used as an alternative medication of natural product for promoting sexual activity in men.