Abstract

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Picralima nitida seeds were tested for their antifungal activities using Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans and Microsporum canis as test organisms. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of some plant metabolites which have been reported to have antimicrobial effects. Assays were performed using extract concentrations of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/ml and the agar well diffusion technique was employed. Results obtained, revealed a significant difference (P<0.05) in inhibition zone diameter between A. flavus, and C. albicans and between C. albicans and M. canis. However,there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in inhibition zone diameter between A. flavus andM. canis.  With the aqueous seed extract, a significant difference (P<0.05) in inhibition zone diameter was observed between A. flavus and C. albicans and between A. flavus and M. canis but there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in inhibition zone diameter between C. albicans and M. canis. The inhibitory activity of the ethanolic extract on each test organism was compared with that of the aqueous extract and in all cases the observed difference was significant (P<0.05). These findings indicate the potentials of the seeds of P. nitida as panacea for some fungal infections.

Key words: Antifungal activity, aqueous extract, ethanolic extract, Picralima nitida seeds.