ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY AND SCIENTIFIC VALIDATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN AGUMBE REGION OF WESTERN GHATS, INDIA
Objective: Western Ghats is one of the plant biodiversity hot spot of India. Agumbe region of Western Ghats is known for rich plant diversity and traditional medicinal practices. The aim of the study was to document ethnomedicinal practices followed in this region to treat fungal infections and their scientific validation in vitro.Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to identify the plants used to treat fungal infections in Agumbe region of Western Ghats, India. Aqueous extracts of the plants selected based on the ethnobotanical survey were subjected to in vitro antifungal activity assay. Significantly active plant extract was subjected to activity guided separation methods. The active fraction was subjected to phytochemical, TLC bioautographic and IR spectral analysis to identify the active principle.Results: Ten plants were identified to be used to treat fungal infections. Scientific validation by in vitro antifungal activity assay revealed significant inhibitory activity by aqueous extract of Combretum latifolium. Phytochemical and Infra red spectral analysis of the active fraction revealed the presence of saponins, tannins and phenolic compounds.Conclusion: The study presents the first report of antifungal potential of Combretum latifolium and Humboldtia brunonis. High polar tannin is identified as the antifungal active principle in the aqueous extract of C. latifolium.Â
