Antifungal Activity of Plant Extracts against Fungal Isolates from Bovine Mastitis

Aim of the present investigation was to assess the in vitro efficacy of different plant extracts againsts fungi isolated from bovine mastitis cases. Twenty-six species of yeast, yeast like and moulds were isolated from 200 mastitic milk samples. The isolates were identified based on the staining, cultural and biochemical characteristics. Aqueous extracts of cinnamon leaf, lemon grass, clove, and aqueous and methonal extracts of Cassia alata were used in this study. Discs of 1:10 and 1:20 dilutions of plant extracts were prepared by standard method. In vitro antifungal activity of essential oils and plant extracts to yeast and yeast like fungal isolates showed varying degree of antifungal properties. Out of three essential oils tested, cinnamon leaf oil was found to be active against all the yeast and yeast like fungal isolates tested. Out of the three essential oils tested in vitro against mould, cinnamon leaf oil was found to be active against most of the mould isolates at 1:10 dilution, lemon grass oil showed no activity against mould isolates at both 1: 10 and 1:20 dilutions. Aqueous and methanol extract of Cassia alata revealed no antifungal property.