Antifungal, antibacterial, and GC-MS phytoconstituents analysis of n-hexane fraction of Parinari kerstingii leaves in view of herbal cosmetic production

Abstract

Plant extracts are increasingly used in cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs, and food supplements. This study aims to establish the potential uses of Parenari kerstingii leaf extracts in skin care products and applications. The n-hexane fraction from the methanol extract was subjected to GC-MS, Phytochemical, antifungal, and antibacterial analysis. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of compounds including Eicosane; Phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl); 6-isopropyl-3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one; (9Z,12Z,15Z)-9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid; Nonanoic acid; Oleic acid; Palmitic acid, among others, were present in the n-hexane fraction. These compounds have been scientifically proven to possess antifungal activity via multiple mechanisms of action, including inhibition of fungal biofilm formation. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of Alkaloids, Phenolics, Tannins, Steroids, Sterols, Terpenoids, and Triterpenoids. The fraction showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ustus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum, and Rizopus oryzae. The fraction also showed activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus anthracis. No activity was recorded against gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusively, the n-hexane fraction obtained from the methanol extract of Parinari kerstingii leaves can be employed to produce skincare products or herbal cosmetics for managing fungal infections.