Phytochemical Screening, in Vitro Evaluation of Antifungal Activity and Acute Toxicity of Extracts of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn (Sapotaceae) on The Strain of Candida albicans

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, the bark of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn (Sapotaceae), commonly known as Karité, is used in the treatment of many skin and digestive ailments. In order to justify this traditional use, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the method of preparation, the antifungal activity, the chemical composition and the acute toxicity of the bark of Vitellaria paradoxa on Candida albicans. Total aqueous (LeA) and 70% ethanolic (LeE) extracts of the bark of Vitellaria paradoxa were prepared and tested in vitro. Ethanolic extract (LeE) showed the highest yield (55.5%) and was found to be more effective on the growth of Candida albicans with a minimum fungicidal concentration (CMF) value of 1.56 ± 0.02 mg / ml and a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.39 ± 0.21 mg / ml, certainly justifying the use of the plant in traditional medicine. At the end of the acute toxicity assessment test, the LD50 was estimated to be greater than 2000 mg / Kg orally. The phytochemical screening of the various extracts showed the presence of chemical compounds which justify their antifungal activities by the use of Vitellaria paradoxa. This work has provided a scientific basis for the use of Vitellaria paradoxa in traditional pharmacopoeia, particularly in the treatment of fungal pathologies.