Abstract

Antifungal potency of Gnidia glauca (Fresen) Gilg. and Pothos scandens L.

Author(s): K.S.Vinayaka, Shruti V.Hegde, Shivakumar Banakar, T.R.Prashith Kekuda

In this study, we explored the efficacy of methanol, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of two traditionally used medicinal plants Gnidia glauca (Fresen) Gilg. and Pothos scandens L against human pathogenic dermatophytic fungi. The powdered plant materials were subjected to soxhlet extraction and the concentrated extracts were tested for antifungal activity byAgar well diffusion method. The zone of growth inhibition was recorded. The presence of various phytoconstituents was observed in the methanol extract.Among the plants, G. glauca exhibited potent antifungal activity than P. scandens. Methanol extract was found to inhibit test fungi to more extent than chloroform and petroleum ether extracts. From the results, it is suggestive that the plants selected for the study contain constituents possessing antifungal activity. The results of the study justified the folkloric importance of the plants tested. Further experiments in animalmodels have to be carried out to justify in vivo potential of the plant extracts.