Abstract

The increase in antifungal resistance towards dermatophytosis is an emerging concern globally. Consequently, the search for more effective vegetal drugs, easily consumable, less toxic, and available new substances with antifungal activity remains a priority. Therefore, the phytochemical properties and antidermatophytic effect of Ocimum gratissimum by means of broth microdilution technique was investigated. The leaf extracts-crude aqueous, n-hexane, chloroform, ethanol, and methanol had a yield of 5.6, 4.7, 0.9, 1.6, and 5.0%, respectively. Phytochemical constituents such as anthraquinone, proteins, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, and alkaloids were present in all extracts. All extracts demonstrated antimycotic activity towards the dermatophytes (Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum canis, Microsporum audouinii and Microsporum gypseum) at varying degrees. Although all extracts were more active against E. floccosum than the other dermatophytes, those of the ethanol and methanol at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 1.56 mg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 3.13 mg/mL each, were most active against the fungus. Conclusively, the findings of the antimycotic activity of O. gratissimum towards dermatophytes in this study validate its use in herbal medicine. Further, the presence of different pharmacologically active components reaffirms its potential as a subject of future research.

Key words: Ocimum gratissimum, extracts, phytochemical screening, antifungal activity, dermatophytes