Phytochemical and Anti-Fungal Screening of the Averrhoa bilimbi Fruit Extract against Aspergillus Niger

Abstract

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection and is a continuing problem in the world today. The respiratory infection increases the risk to those who are immunocompromised. Evidence shows that the Averrhoa bilimbi fruit contains the following pharmacological properties such as antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antithrombotic, cytotoxic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, and antioxidant properties. However, the anti-fungal property of this medicinal plant has not been established. The objective of this study is to determine the bioactive constituents and investigate the antifungal ability of Averrhoa bilimbi fruit extract against Aspergillus niger organism. The study utilized a complete randomized design to determine the phytochemical properties and anti-fungal efficacy of Averrhoa bilimbi fruit extract against Aspergillus niger. The extraction of Averrhoa bilimbi fruit was tested according to the procedure of the Standards and Testing Division of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Qualitative analysis was also used to determine the phytochemical constituents of the fruit extract. An anti-fungal Assay was done to test the susceptibility of the extract to the Aspergillus niger. A positive control (clotrimazole) was used as a comparison. The result of anti-fungal screening of the extract reveals a complete inhibitory activity with mild reactivity against the test organism Aspergillus niger, which is comparable with clotrimazole. It is therefore recommended that similar studies be conducted to establish the anti-fungal property of the plant.

Keywords: anti-fungal property, Aspergillus niger, Averrhoa bilimbi, anti-fungal assay