Ogu G. I, Madagwu E. C , Eboh, O. J, Ezeadila, J. O
Diodia scandens leaf is applied topically for the treatment of various superficial skin infections among the Ukwuani aborigines of Delta state, South-South Nigeria. To obtain a scientific base for this practice, its phytochemistry and antidermatophyte potentials against three dermatophytes, Microsporium gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum isolated from infected hairs, nails and skins (mostly children) in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria were evaluated. Methanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves were tested using the agar diffusion method at extract concentrations 100mg/ml, while griseofulvin was used as the standard drug. The phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of saponin, flavonoid and tannins and cardiac glycosides. The antifungal activity showed that all the isolates were susceptible to both the organic and aqueous extracts, though the methanolic extracts had wider diameter of inhibitions than the aqueous extract. The highest susceptibility was observed against T. mentagrophytes (22.2mm) followed by T. rubrum (21.0mm), while M. gypseum (18.5mm) was the least. Their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) value was 3.13/6.25mg/ml for T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum, and 6.25/12.5mg/ml for M. gypseum. The anti-fungal activity of the extract was not significantly affected by variations in temperature (30-100oC) and pH (2.0-10) for 1hour. This work, therefore may probably justify the traditional application of this plant in the management of skin diseases.
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