ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF THE N-HEXANE FRACTION OF EMILIA COCCINEA WHOLE PLANT

ABSTRACT

In folk medicine, Emilia coccinea, is used to treat microbial infections and wounds. Thus the aim of this study was to Investigate the Antifungal Activity of the n-hexane fraction of Emilia coccinea (Sims) G. Don. The Assessment of the n-hexane fraction of Emilia coccinea whole plant was investigated in order to verify its claimed folkloric usage in treatment of microbial infections. Sensitivity tests for anti-fungi activities of the whole plant n-hexane fraction were determined using Agar well diffusion method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of fractions were also determined using Agar dilution. Commercial antifungal agent (Ketoconazole) were used as positive reference standard to determine sensitivity of tested organisms. The test organisms (Candidia albicans, Trichophyton rubrum, and Rhodotorula glutinis) were found to be sensitive to the n-hexane fraction while no sensitive on Aspergillus fumigatus, and Microsporum audounii. The n-hexane fraction recorded highest mean inhibition diameter of 15.50±1.06 mm against Candidia albican. The results demonstrate that the n-hexane fraction of E. coccinea plants has antifungal activity and can be a potential source of antifungal agents. Thus, the folkloric usage of this plant for the treatment of microbial diseases is justified.