Phytochemical screening and in vitro antifungal activities of extracts of leaves of Morinda morindoides (Morinda, Rubiaceae)

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare antifungal activity of various extracts (aqueous, ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts) of Morinda morindoides (Baker) Milne-Redh (Rubiaceae) and investigate their phytochemical screening in order to determine which components give potency to the extract that show highest antifungal activity. M. morindoidesleaves were extracted in water (Etaq), ethanol (Eeth), ethyl acetate (Eace) and hexane (Ehex) and each extract was tested against Candida albicans (yeast) and Trichophyton rubrum(mould). Agar dilution method at serial concentrations ranging from 125 to 1.95 mg/ml was used for the determination of the antifungal parameters- minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and concentration producing 50% inhibition (IC50) for these strains. Phytochemical screening of the extracts of leaves of M. morindoides showed the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, quinones and sterols in various concentrations. The ethyl acetate did not contain tannins and quinones. Polyphenols, saponins and quinones were absent in hexane extract. Compared to other extracts (Etaq, Eeth and Eace) of M. morindoides, hexane extract showed the highest antifungal activity against C. albicans with the MIC of 31.25 mg/ml and IC50 of 6.17±1.04 mg/ml. The same extract presents the strongest activity against T. rubrum with the MIC of 15.62 mg/ml and IC50 of 2.68±1.19 mg/ml. Among the extracts of M. morindoides leaves, hexane extracts exerted best antifungal potency against strains which are mostly responsible for superficial mycoses. Thus, this extract may be used for the treatment of dermatomycoses. Key words: Morinda morindoides, antifungal activity, hexane extract, dermatomycoses.