Assessment of Antifungal Potential of Selected Plants Extracts on Human Dermatophytes

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment of fungal infections have become increasingly challenging recently, as there are limiting treatment options due to emerging resistant pathogenic fungi. This has also led to increase in the search for alternatives. Botanical preparations have been in use for ages for treatment of some infectious diseases; while many have proven efficacious, the potentials of others are yet to be elucidated. Aim: This study was aimed at determining the antifungal potential of some selected plant extracts on human dermatophytes. Methodology: Previously identified and fully characterized isolates of Microsporium spp. Trichophyton spp., and Epidermophyton spp., were obtained from the Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Freshly harvested leaves of Jastropha curcas, Erigeron sumtrensis, Tridax procumbens and Emilia sonchifolia, were used for the preparation of crude extract. These plants were selected based on the traditional claim of their efficacy against dermatophytes. Extraction of their leaves were done using ethanol, methanol, n-hexane and dichloromethane (DCM). The discs were prepared with crude extracts obtained from the four plants in concentrations of 400mg, 200mg, 100mg and 50m, using 1.0 ml of dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) for each. These were tested for antifungal activities against the test dermatophytes using standard procedures. Fluconazole (200mg) was used as control. Phytochemical analyses were also performed on extracts that showed inhibitory activity against the dermatophytes. Results: Among the plants, only Erigeron sumatrensis showed zones of inhibition with mean standard deviation of 8.44±6.43, 7.78±5.93 and 7.00±5.34 in (mm) against Microsporium spp., Trichophyton spp. and Epidermophyton spp. respectively (p<0.05). Extracts from Jastropha curcas, Tridax procumbens and Emilia sonchofolia did not show any inhibition against the dermatophytes. The phytochemicals from Erigeron sumatrensis were alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponin, tannin and steroids. Conclusion: The plant, Erigeron sumatrensis showed promising antifungal potential against dermatophytes and therefore needs further elucidation as a source for antifungal agent.