Abstract
Crude leaf extracts from medicinal plants were screened for in vitro antifungal properties against clinical isolate of Candida albicans. The antifungal test was carried out using the Kirby Bauer method. All the extracts from the plants tested showed antifungal activity against clinical isolate of Candida albicans with the extract from Vernonia lasiopus being more active as compared to the others. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 4.0 to 8.9 mg/ml. The standard antifungal used as positive control was fluconazole (15 μg/ml) whereas dimethyl sulphoxide and distilled water were used as negative control. Preliminary screening for the presence of phytochemicals was also done to determine if there was presence of any, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and alkaloids.
Highlights
The use of medicinal plants to treat diseases is almost universal among non-industrialized societies, and is often more affordable than purchasing expensive conventional drugs [1]
All the extracts from the plant leaves showed a considerable level of antifungal activity against clinical isolate of Candida albicans [21,31,32]
The plant extract from Vernonia lasiopus proved to be more active against Candida albicans in low concentrations whereas Aloe secundiflora was less active
Summary
The use of medicinal plants (herbs) to treat diseases is almost universal among non-industrialized societies, and is often more affordable than purchasing expensive conventional drugs [1]. The total extracts from leaves, flowers, stem and other parts of the plant have shown antibacterial activity as well as antifungal properties [16]. Extracts from the other common species have been used as medicine in treating various illnesses such as stomach problems and intestinal disorders [17]. Its crude extracts have shown some level of antifungal activity against candida albicans [21]. Vernonia lasiopus decoctions from the stems and leaves have been traditionally been found to contain antifungal, anthelminthic, antiparasitic and antibacterial activity and has been used by herbalists in East Africa to treat, malaria, worms and gastrointestinal problems [26]. The main aim of the study was to establish the antifungal activity of the crude extracts from the medicinal plants against Candida albicans
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