This study was conducted as part of an effort to validate
the use of traditional medicine in South Africa, and investigate
plants that are used locally, particularly for antibacterial
activity. Five Sterculiaceae species, Cola greenwayi Brenan,Cola natalensis Oliv., Dombeya burgessiae Gerr. ex Harv.,
Dombeya cymosa Harv. and Hermannia depressa N.E.Br.
were selected for screening in phytochemical tests and for
biological activity. Extracts were tested for alkaloids, cardiac
glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, saponins and tannins. The
extracts were also tested for anti-inflammatory activity in the
cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibition assay, and for antibacterial
activity using a microdilution assay. Following the initial
screening, active antibacterial components were isolated
and identified from the species that showed antibacterial activity.