Effects of Ficus Exasperata Vahl on Common Dermatophytes and Causative Agent of Pityriasis Versicolor in Rivers State, Nigeria

Antifungal study on F. exasperate is rare in Nigeria and hence this study seeks to justify the ethobotanical uses of the plant. The antifungal activity of Ficus exasperata vahl against the three major Dermatophytes – Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton together with Malassezia furfur (the cause of Pityriasis versicolor (Eczema)), were studied by well-in-agar diffusion technique using 250mg/ml, 200mg/ml, 150mg/ml, 100mg/ml and 50mg/ml concentrations of ethanolic extracts. Isolates from the scalp, skin, toes and feet of forty individuals (mainly children) were obtained in four locations namely; Aluu, Choba, Rumuosi and Emohua areas of Rivers State. The results of in vitro antimicrobial screening of ethanol extracts from the plant displayed a wide range of activity on Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton together with Malassezia furfur. The leaf ethanol extract of Ficus exasperata vahl inhibited the growth of all four fungal isolates at the five different concentrations (250mg/ml, 200mg/ml, 150mg/ml, 100mg/ml and 50mg/ml) to varying degrees. The diameter zones of inhibition exhibited by the extracts against the test fungal species ranged between 13.00 and 22.45mm. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the ethanol extract of Ficus exasperata vahl were 25.12, 39.81, 44.64 and 44.67 mg/ml for Malassezia furfur, Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton, respectively. The results revealed the significant inhibitory effect of Ficus exasperata vahl on the fungal isolates. F. exasperate extracts has shown to be a promising potential of new antifungal drug especially as a potent vehicle in antifungal drug design. The zones of inhibition exhibited by the extract on the fungi suggest that it could be effective in the treatment of infections associated with these fungi isolates. The appreciable levels of inhibition recorded for Ficus exasperata vahl on the isolates indicates that this plant could be potent sources of novel antifungal drugs. The results from this study indicated potentials of leaves extract as a source of antifungal compounds. Further studies should be carried out to unravel the identity of the active ingredients.