Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis and Antifungal Susceptibility of Vernonia amygdalina against Some Strains of Candida albicans

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining the quantitative phytochemical analysis and antifungal susceptibility of Vernonia amygdalina against some strains of Candida albicans.  Reflux method of extraction was used for the successive extraction of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina. Quantitative phytochemical screenings were done to determine the amounts of phytochemicals that are present in the crude extracts, the study revealed that phytochemicals which include flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins and phenol were present in the crude extracts. Three different strains (P37005, RM1000 and SC5314) were subjected for antifungal susceptibility test, the antifungal susceptibility test of the crude extracts against the strains were determined at different concentrations of 40,60, 80 and 100 mg/ml using agar well diffusion method. The highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) was 21.00 ±0.30 mm which was recorded for methanol leaf extract (MLE) at a concentration of 100 mg/ml against SC5314 (isolate:B3). The MIC and MFC values for the most active crude extracts were 12.5 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml for the n-hexane crude extract against strain P37005 (isolate B1), the value of 12.5 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml was also revealed for the n-hexane crude extract against SC5314 (isolateB3) however, the methanol crude extract showed a value of 12.5mg/ml and 50mg/ml respectively against SC5314 (isolate:B3). The results from this study suggest that n-hexane and methanol crude extract have a better antifungal activity than the ethylacetate crude extract.  This study also validate the claim of the local herbal practitioners of the use of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina in curing candidiasis.