Antifungal Activity of Pericopsis (Afrormosia) laxiflora (Benth.) Bark on Ringworm Germs

Dermatophytes are responsible for ringworms that are very often found on the heads of children in Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, ringworms have been the subject of several studies revealing fairly high frequencies.

Aims: The present work consisted essentially in studying the antifungal activity of the barks of Pericopsis laxiflora, a plant from the Ivorian pharmacopoeia on germs responsible for ringworm.

Methodology: The 70% hydroethanolic extract of the bark of Pericopsis laxiflora was prepared and tested on Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. In addition, by staining and precipitation tests, phytochemical sorting was carried out on this extract.

Results: Faced with the hydroethanolic extract, Trichophyton mentagrophytes recorded a Minimun Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) which is equal to the Minimun Fungicidal Concentration(MFC) (MIC = MFC = 6.25 mg/mL). For the fungal strain of T. rubrum, the MFC obtained (100 mg/mL) was twice the MIC (50 mg/mL). The phytochemical study of this extract revealed the presence of sterols and polyterpenes, flavonoids and catechic tannins.

Conclusion: The results suggest that P. laxiflora extract could therefore be useful in the fight against dermatophytes.