Ethanolic Extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum [Pod] Against Candidiasis: In- Vitro Studies

Abstract

Background: Fungal infections, particularly candidiasis, continue to pose
a significant global health challenge due to increasing incidence and the
emergence of antifungal resistance. The limited availability of new
antifungal agents has encouraged the exploration of medicinal plants as
alternative therapeutic sources. Peltophorum pterocarpum is a traditionally
used medicinal plant reported to possess various biological activities. Aim:
To perform phytochemical screening and evaluate the in vitro antifungal
activity of the ethanolic pod extract of P. pterocarpum against Candida
tropicalis. Methodology: Shade-dried pods of P. pterocarpum were
extracted with ethanol using a Soxhlet apparatus. The concentrated extract
was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening using standard
qualitative methods. Antifungal activity against Candida tropicalis was
evaluated by agar well diffusion assay, and the minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth microdilution method.
Results: Soxhlet extraction yielded 2.01% w/w of ethanolic extract.
Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and
alkaloids. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent antifungal
activity, producing a maximum zone of inhibition of 14 mm at the highest
tested concentration. The MIC value against Candida tropicalis was
determined to be 2 mg/mL. Conclusion: The ethanolic pod extract of P.
pterocarpum demonstrated promising in vitro antifungal activity against
Candida tropicalis. The observed activity may be attributed to the presence
of bioactive phytochemicals, indicating its potential as a natural source for
the development of herbal antifungal formulations.