Abstract
Bulb extracts of Gladiolus dalenii reportedly used in the treatment of fungal infections in HIV/AIDS patients in the Lake Victoria region were tested for antifungal activity using the disc diffusion assay technique. Commercially used antifungal drugs, Ketaconazole and Griseofulvin (Cosmos Pharmaceuticals) were used as standards. Dichloromethane (CH₂CL₂)/Methanol (MeOH) in the ratio 1:1. Soluble extracts showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. Direct bioautography on silica gel Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and appropriate spraying agents were used to identify the active component in the extract. The activities of both the extracts were higher than that of Griseofulvin. CH₂CL₂ soluble extract in addition showed ability to delay sporulation in A.niger. The active group of compounds in the extracts was identified as alkaloids, which offer immense potential for development of new and valuable pharmaceutical products.
Highlights
Traditional medicine has been practiced since time immemorial by almost all cultures for treatment of numerous human diseases in many parts of the world (Palombo 2006; Dasilva and Hoareau, 1999)
This study shows that CH2CL2and MeOH extracts of G. dalenii posses antifungal activity against A. niger
Results of this study indicate that it is important to carry out taxonomic verification and biochemical analysis studies on medicinal plants known to have ethnomedicinal uses
Summary
Traditional medicine has been practiced since time immemorial by almost all cultures for treatment of numerous human diseases in many parts of the world (Palombo 2006; Dasilva and Hoareau, 1999). In Kenya, like other African countries, traditional medicine is practiced by most ethnic groups in the treatment of skin related problems, gastrointestinal diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, malaria, wounds, eye infections, measles and snake bites among others (Otieno et al, 2007; Lukhoba et al, 2006 ; Owuor and Kisangau, 2006 ; Mukiama, 2005 ; Kariba et al, 2001). Gladiolus dalenii is one of the plants used by local communities in the Kenyan Lake Victoria Basin to treat various infections such as meningitis, malaria, diarrhoea, ulcers and HIV related fungal infections. Hot water extracts of freshly chopped or dried bulb is drunk to treat ulcers. A pinch of the same in water is drunk for the treatment of malaria and diarrhoea
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