Phytochemical Analysis and <em>in vitro</em> Antifungal Profile of Bioactive Fractions from <em>Sterculia setigera</em> (Sterculiaceae)

Abstract

<em>Sterculia setigera</em> L. is a small evergreen tree having antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effects. Leaves of <em>Sterculia setigera</em> have been investigated for its phytochemical and antifungal properties. In the present study, aqueous acetone extract and fractions of leaf from <em>Sterculia setigera</em> were used. Quantitative analysis of extract and fractions revealed the presence of total phenolic and total flavonoid. The polyphenol content was estimated by Folin-ciocalteu and AlCl₃ methods aim of this present study was access the phytochemical composition and antifungal properties of extract and fractions from this Sterculiaceae. Folin-ciocalteu and AlCl₃ methods respectively were used for polyphenol contents. The antifungal potency was investigated by Micro-well dilution (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) assay against eight different fungal species. Results indicated that total phenolic and flavonoid contents revealed that EAF and DCMF have the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents 30.02±1.02 mg GAE and 8.24±1.10 mg QE, respectively. As for the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration assay (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of extract and fractions, result varied according to microorganism. The MIC values of fractions were ranged from 31.25 to 500 μg/mL and as for the MFC values were ranged from 125 to 1000 μg/mL. Among the samples tested for antifungal activity, EAE and DCMF have also the highest activities compared to other fractions. In short, our findings revealed that DCMF and EAF have influenced the antifungal properties. As a matter of fact, <em>Sterculia setigera</em> could be exploited to formulate novel drugs from plan origin against fungal infections.