Achyranthes Aspera Leaf Extracts Inhibited Fungal Growth

The aim of the study was investigate antifungal activity of the various leaves extracs of Achyranthes aspera Linn.The aqueous,ethanol and methanol leaves extracts of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Family:Amaranthaceae) were evaluated for antifungal activity against clinically important fungal spp viz. Candida albicans (MTCC 227), C.tropicalis (MTCC 750), C.krusei (ATCC 6258), C.kefyr (ATCC 4235), C. guilliermondi (ATCC 6260),C.glabrata (ATCC 2001),Cryptococcus neoformans (MTCC 1346), Aspergillus niger (MTCC 277), Aspergillus fumigatus (MTCC 343) , Aspergillus flavus (MTCC 418), Rhizopus oryzae (MTCC 262).The in vitro antifungal activity was performed by agar well diffusion method. The ethanol extract of the leaves of Achyranthes aspera Linn revealed an elevated antifungal activity against C.kefyr, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. The methanol extract of the leaves showed higher antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus flavus. Aqueous extract of the leaves did not show activity against tested fungal strains. The results obtained in the present study suggest that the ethanol and methanol extracts of the leaves of Achyranthes aspera Linn revealed a significant scope to develop a novel broad spectrum of antifungal herbal formulation.