Antifungal activity of crude extracts from tridax procumbens l. against potentially pathogenic fungal species

Background: The Tridax procumbens plant is well known for its traditional medicinal values. The present study deals with evaluation of antifungal activity of the extracts obtained from Tridax procumbens L. Method: Different extracts of the parts like leaf, stem, flower and roots were prepared in five solvent systems of polar and non-polar origin. The antifungal activity was assayed using agar well diffusion method. Results: All extracts of different parts responded variedly. The methanolic root extract of Tridax procumbens was found to be most potent for the Candida species. The most susceptible fungi were found to be Candida albicans (MTCC 3017), Candida albicans (MTCC 227), Candida glabrata (MTCC 3019) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC 170). The highest antifungal activity of methanol root extract with 16 mm inhibition zone was measured against the Candida glabrata (MTCC 3019). Conclusion: The present study concluded that, the plant had significant antifungal potential for the tested Candida species and other assayed fungi. The study validates the use of this plant as antifungal agent.