STUDIES ON EVALUATION OF IN-VITRO ANTFUNGAL ACTIVITIES OF MELIA AZEDARACH L. BARK

The present investigation was attempted in order to evaluate the antifungal potential of successively extracted n-hexane and methanolic extracts of Melia azedarach L. bark. The fungi-toxic efficacy of the extracts were tested against both yeast like fungi [Candida albicans (MTCC-3017), Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Cryptococcus marinus (MTCC-1029)] as well as mycellial like fungi such as Aspergillus niger (MTCC-9933) and Rhizopus oryzae employing well diffusion and poison food method respectively. The study revealed that n-hexane extract exhibited high inhibition against Candida krusei, whereas Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis showed no response and Cryptococcus marinus responded moderately. The methanolic extract showed high inhibition against Candida krusei, whereas Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis showed no response and moderate effect against Cryptococcus marinus. The n-hexane and methanolic extracts of this plant showed better zone of restriction against Rhizopus oryzae than Aspergillus niger. Fluconazole and clotrimazole was taken as reference antifungal. The result clearly indicated that bark of Melia azedarach L. contains phytochemicals which are responsible for inhibition of fungal growth and manifestation.