Evaluation of Anti-fungal Activity of Coleus Species Extracts

Abstract

Antifungal activity of 50%-methanol, water and absolute methanol extracts of Coleus species (whole plant) was evaluated using agar, and macro-broth dilution methods. The test microorganisms were strains of Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Mucor, Rodotorula, Geotricum, Basidiobolus, Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Candida. The yields achieved with extracts were 24%, 22% and 29% for absolute methanol, water and 50% methanol extracts, respectively. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, steroids, Proteins, glycosides and anthracene glycosides. All (100%) fungal strains tested were susceptible to all the extracts. The observation of the growth inhibition of the fungi tested lasted for 7-14 or more days of incubation on Sabouraud Dextrose agar plates. MIC range was 0.146-15.63mg/ml and Candida albicans was the most susceptible of the yeasts tested (MIC90 0.78mg/ml), Epidermophyton floccosum, the most susceptible dermatophyte (MIC90 = 1.56mg/ml), while T. tonsurans was the least susceptible of the fungi tested (MIC90 25mg/ml) and these results are consistent with the time kill observed with the extracts. Results authenticated the folklore medicinal usage of Coleus species for treatment of gastrointestinal, reproductive tract and skin infections.