A STUDY ON PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF LEAF EXTRACTS OF TERMINALIA CATAPPA

Abstract

The antifungal activity of  Terminalia catappa  leaves was tested against five allergenic and pathogenic moulds. An initial screening of effectivity of  different solvent extracts was done by phytochemical analysis and in-vitro antifungal activity. The antifungal activity was determined by both food poison technique and by cup-well diffusion  method for  five test organisms viz Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, Curvularia lunata ,Penicillium chrysogenum, and Trychophyton tonsurans . Methanol extract showed significant antifungal activity. The MIC evaluated at three different concentrations, t was not concentration dependent activity.  Most susceptible mould was Curvularia lunata  and least susceptible was Alternaria alternata as compared with standard antifungals.Hplc analysis revealed  presence of  a known flavonoid component identified as  quercitin.