Exploration of antifungal potential of azadirachta indica against microsporum gypseum

Abstract

Throughout ancient times, human civilizations have greatly exploited plants which have directly or indirectly served the humanity for diagnosis and treatment of various ailments. Herbal drugs have the provision to endanger multifarious range of phytochemical and biochemical compounds which can be acclimated for the performance of diverse biological functions. Many of these phytoconstituents and herbal products have salutary effects on long-term health when consumed by the human and can be efficaciously used to treat various human ailments. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the antifungal potential of various extracts of dried powder of leaves of Azadirachta indica by means of paper disc diffusion method, with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and aqueous solvents in 25 µml, 50 µml and 100 µml concentrations against Microsporum gypseum. Clotrimazole was used as a standard. The findings from the research revealed that Azadirachta indica is a potent antifungal agent against Microsporum gypseum. The ethanol extract of fenugreek using 100 µml concentrations depicted the highest zone of inhibition of 20.520+ 0.84 mm and 47.720% of mycelial inhibition against a tested pathogen. While drug extracts in other solvents also revealed reasonable to least antifungal potential. This finding tells us that Azadirachta indica extracts tested proved to be a potent antifungal agent against Microsporum gypseum. It was found that ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica is best effective against tested strain. This exploration of Azadirachta indica extracts has confirmed its importance, particularly in the area of influence on dermatophytic fungal strain.