Abstract:
Conventional antifungal agents are expensive with
numerous side effects. Senna didymobotrya plants are known to
possess antifungal potential as extensively used by the people of
central Kenya in the treatment of ringworm (Tinea capitis)The
main aim of this study was to analyze the most expound bioactive
compounds present in this plant’s leaves crude extracts and
determine its antifungal potency. Solvent extraction was done
using water, methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-hexane
solvents. The extracts were characterized for physical-chemical
parameters, bio-metals, functional groups, phytochemicals and
antifungal properties. Both water and methanol extracts were
neutral while the rest of the extracts were slightly acidic. The
extracts showed appreciable conductivities with methanol
(123.05±2.88mS), water (73.43±34.85mS) and more solubility
values at 250C. The infrared spectra of the compounds indicated
presence of carbonyl groups, alcohols, organometallic
compounds and halides. All the S. didymobotrya leaves extracts
contained essential bio-metals in considerable concentrations.
Flavonoids, phenolic compounds and alkaloids were the most
pronounced phytochemicals present, especially in methanol and
water extracts. The chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts had
the highest of mycelial growth inhibitions in the leaves extracts,
(16mm and 15mm respectively). In conclusion, water, methanol
and chloroform extracts were found to be more suitable for
medicinal applications.