The Antifungal Activity of n-Hexane Extract of Eleutherine palmifolia (L). Merr Bulbs Against Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes

AIM: This research aimed to determine the characteristics of dried bulbs of Eleutherine palmifolia, the group of active chemical compounds contained in n-hexane extract of Eleutherine palmifolia bulbs and the antifungal activity of n-hexane extract of Eleutherine palmifolia bulbs against Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. METHODS: The Eleutherine palmifolia bulbs were extracted by percolation method using n-hexane solvent. The extract was tested for its antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes by diffusion method using paper discs. RESULTS: The characterisation of dried Eleutherine palmifolia bulbs were obtained water content 9.38%, water-soluble extract content 12.15%, ethanol-soluble extract content 14.48%, total ash content 0.91%, and acid insoluble ash content 0.70%. Determination of Phytochemical content showed alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, glycoside, and steroid/triterpenoid compounds. The antifungal activity of Eleutherine palmifolia bulbs n-hexane extract (EPBHE) by concentration 200 mg/ml demonstrated the inhibition diameter of 19.48 and 42.20 mm for Candida albicans and Trichophyton metagrophytes, respectively. CONCLUSION: The antifungal test indicates that n-hexane extract of Eleutherine palmifolia bulbs provides inhibitory power to Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.