THE POSSIBLE ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF PARKIA BIGLOBOSA (LOCUST BEAN TREE) LEAVES AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON TRICHOPHYTON MENTAGROPHYTE, MICROSPORUM CANIS AND EPIDERMOPHYTON FLOCCOSUM

Abstract

This study evaluated the phytochemical screening, and antifungal effects of Parkia biglobosa leave aqueous extract using standard protocols. Veterinary drugs are very costly, from synthetic source and animals have developed resistance to them. There is need for an alternative source which is cheap, available and the need for conservation of plants with medicinal value. A preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa leaves revealed the presence of saponin, carbohydrate, alkaloid, tannins, flavonoid, cardiac glycosides and resins. The aqueous extract dose of Parkia biglobosa leaves (100, 200, 300 mg/ml and Fluconazole 50 mg/ml), inhibited growth of Trichophyton mentagrophyte, Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton floccosum depending on the concentration used. The result obtained showed that the extract contained some active chemical compounds which may form the basis for its antifungal activities. The findings substantiate the use of Parkia biglobosa leaves in the treatment of fungi related problems. It is therefore recommended that, active ingredient responsible for the antifungal activities should be standardized for use as an antifunfal agent