In vitro Antioxidant Potency and Antifungal Efficiency of Four Local Terminalia Species against Fusarium Strains

Aims: To evaluate in vitro antifungal activities of four selected Terminalia species and their antioxidant potencies.

Study Design: Activities were directed on the in vitro antifungal and antioxidant potency of plant's extracts.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Environment and Plant Protection, and Laboratory of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (USAMV) between March to July 2014, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Microbiology (Bioactives Natural Substances Unit), Jean Lorougnon Guédé University between September 2014 to January 2015.

Methodology: Growth inhibitory effect of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of the stem barks of Terminalia Catappa, Terminalia ivorensis, Terminalia mantaly and Terminalia superba were tested in vitroby applying agar slant double dilution method against Fusarium oxysporum sp tuliipae, Fusariumoxysporum sp radicis-lycopersici and Fusarium graminearum. MIC and MFC values were determined. The measurement of antioxidant activity of the tested extracts was done through DPPH scavenging method.

Results: All test fungi were susceptible to both ethanolic and methanolic extracts of all Terminalia species tested in dose-effect relationship. Methanolic extracts of each Terminalia sp. tested had lowest values with MIC and MFC ranging between 3.125 to 25 µg/ml. Terminalia ivorensis extracts were the most active (MIC ranging between 3.125 to 50 µg/ml) and F. oxysporum sp tulipae was the most susceptible fungi to the different plant extracts. Methanolic extracts of each Terminalia sp were fungicidal. The highest potentials antioxidant were obtained with T. ivorensis extracts at 462.34 mM Trolox/1 ml methanolic extract and 444.4114 mM Trolox/1 ml ethanolic extract.

Conclusion: The stem bark of Terminalia species tested had potential as both sources of antifungal compounds for controlling Fusarium contamination and natural antioxidant substances for human healthcare.