ASSESSMENT OF PHYTOCHEMICALS AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF LEPTADENIA HASTATA ETHANOLIC EXTRACT AGAINST SOME SELECTED FUNGAL PATHOGENS

Abstract

Leptadenia hastata is a perennial plant recognized for its versatile medicinal properties, including antifungal activity. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemicals and antifungal activity of L. hastata ethanolic extract. Ethanolic extracts of air-dried leaves were prepared and screened for phytochemicals, including tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and steroids. The antifungal activity was assessed using disc diffusion and broth dilution methods to determine zones of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Fluconazole served as the control.  The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds. The extract exhibited dose-dependent antifungal activity, with zones of inhibition ranging from 13.0 ± 0.8 mm to 50.3 ± 1.3 mm at concentrations of 25-100 mg/mL. The MIC of the extract was 25 mg/mL for all fungal isolates, while the MFC ranged from 25 mg/mL (A. fumigatus) to 50 mg/mL (C. albicans, C. neoformans, and A. flavus).  The ethanolic extract of L. hastata demonstrated significant antifungal activity against the tested isolates, supporting its potential as a natural antifungal agent.