Antifungal properties of leaf extract of Catharanthus roseus l (g.) Don

Catharanthus roseus is well known for its pharmacological significance. The present study aims to determine the antifungal activity of Catharanthus roseus against various clinically significant fungal strains (Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium moniliforme). Assessment of antifungal activity of Catharanthus roseus was done by paper disc diffusion method. In this study, three extraction media (Ethanol, Acetone, and Aqueous) were used. Data depicts that the pattern of inhibition largely depend upon extraction solvent. Organic extracts provided more potent antifungal activity as compared to aqueous extracts. Leaves of Catharanthus roseus showed significant inhibition. Leaves of Catharanthus roseus showed excellent activity against Fusarium moniliforme in ethanolic extracts. Literature survey had not reflected any activity of Catharanthus roseus against Fusarium moniliforme therefore; antifungal activity of Catharanthus roseus against Fusarium moniliforme is reported for the first time. MIC of the extract against the tested fungal strains ranges between 25μg/μl to 50 μg/μl.