Phytochemical and antifungal properties of anara (<i>Solanum incanum</i>) leaf on dermatophytes

Abstract

Phytochemical and antifungal properties of anara leaf on dermatophytes were investigated. Anara leaves were purchased from Orie Obibi market, Obibiezena, Owerri-West, L.G.A, Imo State while samples from clippers were collected using swab sticks from barbing shops. Standard microbiological methods were adopted in the isolation of dermatophytes from the samples. Anara leaves were dried, ground, and extracted using ethanol, cold and hot water. Qualitative phytochemical screening was adopted in the determination of the phytochemical constituents of the leaf extracts. Agar well diffusion technique was adopted in the determination of the antifungal properties of the extracts. Tube dilution technique was adopted in the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts. Dermatophytes isolated from the clippers were Trichophyton and Epidermophyton species. The presence of saponins, tannins, phenols, alkaloids and anthraquinones were detected. Antifungal activities of the extracts showed zones of inhibition 12mm to 14m m with hot water extract, 16mm to 20mm with ethanol extract and none with cold water extract. Minimum inhibitory concentration was recorded at 250mg/ml and 500mg/ml with ethanol extract. Minimum fungicidal concentration was recorded at 500mg/ml with ethanol extract against Epidermophyton species. Cold and hot water extracts showed no fungicidal effect against the dermatophytes. The antifungal properties of the extract could be attributed to the phytochemical constituents of the leaf. The use of medicinal plants such as anara should be given attention for cheaper and easily available remedy to fungal infections in the society.