Evaluation of antifungal activity and phytochemical analysis of leaves, roots and stem barks extracts of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae)

The aqueous and organic solvents extracts of leaves, stem barks and roots of Calotropis procera were screened for antifungal (agar dilution method) and phytochemical properties. Organic solvents extracts of the stem bark significantly (p<0.05) inhibited growth of Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum gypseum. The petroleum ether (PE) extract however was significantly (p<0.05) active on only Trichophyton rubrum at concentrations ranging from 0.66 to 5.33 mg mL-1. All the leave extract fractions completely inhibited the growth of the tested organisms. The roots fractions of hexane (HX) and PE extracts showed significant (p<0.05) growth inhibitions of Microsporum gypseum and Aspergillus niger. All the aqueous extract fractions of the plant parts showed complete growth inhibition of all the tested organisms. Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, saponins and saponin glycosides were detected in the leaves and roots extract fractions, with only flavonoids, triterpenoids and saponins in the stem bark extracts. The results obtained lend scientific credence for the use of the plant against fungal diseases. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.