Hindawi

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Volume 2023, Article ID 9957892, 7 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/9957892

Research Article
Antifungal Activity of Plantago lanceolata and Sida ovata Leaf
Extracts against Dermatomycotic Fungi

1
Tamene Milkessa Jiru and Muluneh Getahun2
1
Department of Environmental and Industrial Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Gondar, P.O. Box: 196,
Gondar, Ethiopia
2
Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Gondar, P.O. Box: 196, Gondar, Ethiopia

Correspondence should be addressed to Tamene Milkessa Jiru; tamene1971@gmail.com

Received 30 January 2023; Revised 17 June 2023; Accepted 1 August 2023; Published 5 August 2023

Academic Editor: Emilio Lizarraga

Copyright © 2023 Tamene Milkessa Jiru and Muluneh Getahun. Tis is an open access article distributed under the Creative
Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the
original work is properly cited.
Plantago lanceolata and Sida ovata have been used as medicinal plants for centuries to cure numerous diseases. Tis study aimed
to evaluate antifungal activity of P. lanceolata and S. ovata leaf extracts against dermatomycotic fungi. Crude extracts from leaves
of both plants were prepared using methanol and ethyl acetate. Phytochemical screening of both plants leaves was performed.
Antifungal activity of crude extracts was evaluated against three dermatomycotic fungi (Candida albicans, Malassezia furfur, and
Malassezia globosa). In addition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined by microbroth dilution
method. Maximum inhibition zone of 32.00 ± 11.64 mm was exhibited when combined ethyl acetate extract of both plants was
applied against M. globosa. Best efect of MIC was demonstrated by ethyl acetate extract against most tested dermatomycotic fungi.
Average MIC of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts ranged as follows: (0.19 ± 0.00 to 0.65 ± 0.00 mg/mL and 0.19 ± 0.00 to
0.52 ± 0.22 mg/mL) and (0.65 ± 0.22 to 1.56 ± 0.00 mg/mL and 0.19 ± 0.00 to 0.52 ± 0.00 mg/mL), respectively. Teir synergistic
efect was better than the efect of individual plant leaf extract. Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values varied across the
fungal pathogens when extracts from both plants and their combinations were used. Te fndings from the current study support
the traditional use of P. lanceolata and S. ovata against dermatomycotic fungal infections, which could potentially be exploited for
the treatment of superfcial infection in humans.

1. Introduction extent and characteristics of traditional medicine can be

preserved and utilized sustainably.
Plants have been employed as sources of medicine in Because of their capability in providing many benefts to
Ethiopia for thousands of years to treat diferent ailments. diferent socio-economic groups worldwide, especially in the
Studies suggest that about 80% of the Ethiopian population line of modern medicine and pharmaceuticals, medicinal
still depend on medicinal herbs for their basic healthcare plants have gained great attention than ever. A wide range of
system [1–3]. Even though traditional medicine and me- plants parts such as leaves, roots, stems, bark, fowers, and
dicinal plants have a great role in the primary healthcare seeds are used for therapeutic purposes as well as serve as
system in Ethiopia, the work that has been performed so far precursors for the synthesis of various useful modern drugs
in the country to properly document and promote the as- due to their ethnomedical importance in nature. Te me-
sociated knowledge concerning traditional medicine is dicinal potentials of these plants could be traceable to the
scanty [4]. Terefore, documentation and promotion of bioactive phytochemical constituents that are responsible for
traditional medicine and medicinal plants is considered the physiological action on the human body. Due to their
necessary so that the knowledge and understanding on the versatility and multipurpose applications, plant-derived
2 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

substances have gained attention recently. Tese plant- P. lanceolata leaf as well as methanolic extract (8 g) and ethyl
derived substances which enhance the usefulness of the acetate (9 g) from S. ovata leaf. Ten, they were kept at 4°C
plant are classifed as phytochemicals [5]. until the assessments of their antidermatomycotic activities.
P. lanceolata has been given a lot of attention due to its
multiple therapeutic applications such as its wound healing
remedy [6, 7]. Tis herbaceous plant was traditionally used 2.2. Qualitative Analysis of Phytochemicals. Te presence of
in North Africa to treat wounds, burns, abscesses, in- diferent phytochemical constituents of P. lanceolata and
fammations, hemorrhoids, and fevers [8]. Previous reports S. ovata leaves was detected using standard procedures. Te
have indicated that the plant was also efective against di- presence of favonoids, alkaloids, saponins tannins, and
arrhea, dysentery, antiviral, anti-infammatory, astringent, cardiac glycosides was characterized following the method of
antihelminthic, analgesic, analeptic, antihistaminic, anti- Adesegun et al. [10]. Steroids [11] and quinones [12] were
rheumatic, antitumor, antiulcer, diuretic, expectorant, and also characterized. Furthermore, the presence of phenols,
hypotensive in traditional medicine [8]. terpinoids, and carbohydrates was detected using the pro-
Among many popular medicinal plants, P. lanceolata cedure of Martin et al. [13].
and S. ovata have been reported to cure numerous diseases
from cold to hepatitis, skin diseases, infectious diseases, 2.2.1. Antidermatomycotic Test. Te antidermatomycotic
problems concerning the digestive organs, respiratory or- efect of the extracts was assessed using agar well difusion
gans, reproduction, the circulation, and for reducing assay [14]. Te test pathogenic dermatomycotic fungi,
fever [6]. namely, C. albicans, M. furfur, and M. globosa were obtained
P. lanceolata and S. ovata have been used either whole or from microbiology unit, University of Gondar Compre-
crushed leaves, or juice from leaves of the two plants have hensive Specialized Hospital. Tese pathogenic isolates were
been used to treat burns, stop bleeding, and treat all kinds of frst grown on sabouraud dextrose broth, incubated for 48 h.
wounds to enhance the healing process [6]. About 20 mL of sterilized SDA (g/L: glucose 40, peptone 10,
As there are highly unexplored natural resources and agar 15) medium was poured into Petri dishes. Sus-
available in Ethiopia, focusing on searching for a novel, pension of the superfcial pathogenic fungi was made in
highly efcacious, better active, nontoxic, and afordable sterile normal saline and adjusted to the 0.5 MCFarland’s
antifungal agents must be prior activity. In addition, there is standard. Small volume (20 µL) of fungal suspension was
scarcity of information about the synergistic anti- added to each SDA plate and then evenly distributed by
dermatomycotic activity leaf extracts of P. lanceolata and means of sterile swap over the agar surface. Agar wells were
S. ovata in any part of the world including Ethiopia. prepared using a sterilized cork borer with 6 mm diameter,
Terefore, the current study aimed at evaluating the anti- 2 mm deep, and about 2.5 cm apart to minimize over lapping
microbial activity of P. lanceolata and S. ovata leaf extracts of zone. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) was used as negative
against dermatomycotic fungi that cause superfcial in- control, while ketoconazole (KC) was used as positive
fection in humans. Te solvent extracts from the two plants control.
were tested separately and synergistically. About 100 mg of dried leaf extract powder was resus-
pended in 1 mL of 10% DMSO. About 50 µL of leaf extracts
2. Materials and Methods of both plants and ketoconazole or DMSO was placed into
wells. Crude extracts and standard antibiotic were allowed to
2.1. Plant Materials Collection and Extraction. Leaves of difuse for about 40 min before incubation, and then the
P. lanceolata and S. ovata plants (Figure 1) were collected plates were incubated in an upright position at 30°C for
from University of Gondar compound, Northwest Ethiopia. 5 days. Results of the qualitative screening were recorded as
Taxonomical identifcation and verifcation was performed the average diameter of the inhibition zone surrounding the
at the department of biology by a Botanist in the University wells containing the test solution. Results were compared
of Gondar. with ketoconazole and DMSO.
Te collected leaves were washed repeatedly and dried in Additionally, P. lanceolata–S. ovata leaf extract mixtures
an open air and protected from direct exposure to sun light were prepared by mixing 25 µL P. lanceolata leaf extract and
to constant weight. Air dried leaves were grounded by 25 µL S. ovata leaf extract that sum up 50 µL, and similar
analytical mill and packed in plastic bags. procedures were followed for the remaining activities as it
Ethyl acetate and methanol solvents were used for ex- was performed for separate plant leaf extracts.
traction of P. lanceolata and S. ovata leaves, 30 g of dried and
powdered of leaves of both plants were extracted with
300 mL of 99% ethyl acetate and 80% methanol in separate 2.3. Determination of MIC and MFC. Te MIC is the lowest
fasks and were shaked for about 7 days [9], then the ob- concentration where no viability was observed after 24 h on
tained extracts were fltered using Whatman No. 1 flter the basis of metabolic activity. MIC value of each crude plant
paper and the solvents were evaporated using rotary dis- extract was estimated using broth microdilution method
tillation apparatus. In order to obtain a complete dry extract, [15, 16]. 100 μL of sabouraud dextrose broth was added to
the resultant extracts were transferred to glass dishes and left wells of a microtiter plate for each pathogenic fungal strain.
in 40°C oven for 24 h. Te following extracts were obtained: A 100 μL of each dissolved crude plant leaf extract (100 mg/
methanolic extract (7 g) and ethyl acetate extract (11 g) from mL) was then added in the frst well and serially diluted row
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 3

(a) (b)

Figure 1: Image of (a) P. lanceolata and (b) S. ovata taken by Tamene Milkessa Jiru.

by row to give 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125, 1.56, 0.78, 0.39, and extracts of P. lanceolata were assayed against these patho-
0.19 mg/mL, and 100 μL of the mixture was discarded from gens using agar well difusion assay. Te result in the current
the last row, thus leaving each diluted well with a volume of study revealed that the extracts from both plants, namely,
100 μL, except for the positive and negative controls. Te test P. lanceolata and S. ovata exhibit stronger inhibitory efect
strains inocula were prepared from fresh 48 h grown cultures on C. albicans, M. furfur, and M. globosa in comparison to
and were adjusted to McFarland standard, and 50 μL was ketokonazle when applied separately and synergistically.
poured to the wells except the last well. Wells containing Ethyl acetate extract showed higher efects to all tested
fungal suspensions and growth media, as well as DMSO, dermatomycotic fungi. Te maximum and minimum
were used as negative control, and wells having fungal average zones of inhibition produced by ethyl acetate
suspensions and growth media, as well as KC, were used as extract were 28.67 ± 6.69 mm and 18.17 ± 0.35 mm against
positive control. Te wells were incubated for 72 h at 37°C M. furfur and C. albicans, respectively (Table 1). Similarly,
temperature. Ten, 20 μL of resazurin reagent was added to the maximum and minimum average zones of inhibition
each and every well to indicate respiratory activity, and produced by methanol extract were 21.33 ± 0.35 mm and
a change in color from blue to pink was determined after 16.33 ± 1.40 mm against M. furfur and C. albicans, re-
incubating it for 72 h at 37°C temperature. spectively (Table 1). Extracts from both solvents showed
On the other hand, MFC was determined by frst relatively substantial activities. Te result of data analysis
selecting the plate that showed no growth during MIC indicated that there was a signifcant antifungal efect
determination; a loopful from each plate subcultured onto diference between ethyl acetate and methanol extracts
SDA was incubated for further 48 h at 37°C. Te lowest against M. furfur and M. globosa. Teir efect was sig-
concentration at which no colonies were observed was noted nifcantly diferent from ketoconazole (p ≤ 0.05) (Table 1).
as the MFC. Statistically, no signifcantly diferent result was seen with
both extracts against C. albicans positive control
(p ≥ 0.05).
2.4. Data Analysis. Te data collected through laboratory Concerning S. ovata leaf extract, M. furfur and
experiment were entered to Microsoft Excel 2013 and M. globosa showed variable susceptibility to ethyl acetate and
transferred to SPSS software version 20 for analysis. Te methanol extracts. Tere was relatively some degree of
results were expressed as mean value ± standard deviation similar susceptibility observed by C. albicans to ethyl acetate
(SD) of three replicates. Where applicable, the data were extract (15.00 ± 0.58 mm) and methanol extract
subjected to ANOVA, and diferences between samples were (15.00 ± 0.19 mm). Te result obtained revealed that KC had
determined by two-tailed t-test after Bonferroni error cor- better efect than both extracts. None of the extracts had
rection of the predictive value. P ≤ 0.05 was considered better efect than KC when applied against C. albicans
statistically signifcant. (21.00 ± 0.00 mm) and M. furfur (19.00 ± 0.00 mm) (Table 2).
Statistically, no signifcant diference was seen with both
3. Results extracts against C. albicans and M. furfur. However, their
efect was signifcantly diferent against M. globosa (p ≥ 0.05)
3.1. Phytochemical Detection. Te diferent photochemical
(Table 2).
components of extracts of leaves of both plants were un-
As clearly shown in Table 3, better results were ob-
dertaken. All the tested phytochemical components, i.e.,
tained from the combination of ethyl acetate and meth-
steroids, terpenoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, alkaloids,
anol crude extracts of both plants leaves against the tested
favonoids, carbohydrates, quinines, and glycosides were
microbes. M. globosa was highly susceptible to ethyl ac-
found in P. lanceolata extract; however, steroids and tannins
etate extract with the average inhibition zone of
were not detected in S. ovata leaf extract.
32.00 ± 11.64 mm. Statistically, no signifcance diference
was seen with both extracts against all the tested super-
3.2. Antidermatomycotic Fungal Activities. Test fungal fcial pathogenic fungi (p ≥ 0.05). But their efect was
pathogens used in the current study were C. albicans, signifcantly diferent from Ketoconazole (P ≤ 0.05)
M. furfur, and M. globosa. Both ethyl acetate and methanol (Table 4).
4 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Table 1: Antifungal activities of P. lanceolata leaf extract against C. albicans, M. furfur, and M. globosa, respectively,
(mean ± SD, mm). whereas the lowest MFC value of methanol extract, i.e.,
Crude extracts C. albicans M. furfur M. globosa 1.56 ± 0.00 mm, 0.19 ± 0.00 mg/mL, and 0.39 ± 0.00 mg/mL
was recorded against C. albicans, M. furfur, and M. globosa,
Ethyl acetate extract 18.17 ± 0.35b 28.67 ± 6.69a 27.00 ± 1.00a
Methanol extract 16.33 ± 1.40b 21.33 ± 0.35b 20.33 ± 1.18b respectively (Table 3).
KC 21.00 ± 0.00a 19.00 ± 0.00c 15.00 ± 0.00c Te combined extracts from both plants showed con-
DMSO 0.00 ± 0.00c 0.00 ± 0.00c 0.00 ± 0.00d siderable synergistic efects on M. furfur. But the best result
Values described by the diferent letters within the same column are sig- was recorded by ethyl acetate extract at a concentration of
nifcantly diferent (P ≤ 0.05). DMSO: dimethyl sulphoxide and KC-: 0.19 ± 0.00 mg/mL against M. furfur and M. globosa. On the
ketoconazole. other hand, C. albicans, M. furfur, and M. globosa could be
killed by methanol extract at the concentrations of
Table 2: Antifungal activities of S. ovata leaf extract (mean ± SD, 0.52 ± 0.00 mg/mL, 0.19 ± 0.00 mg/mL, and 0.39 ± 0.00 mg/
mm). mL, respectively (Table 3). In general, varied MIC and MFC
values were obtained; however, signifcantly better yields
Crude extracts C. albicans M. furfur M. globosa were obtained when the combined extracts act up on the
Ethyl acetate 15.00 ± 0.58b 17.33 ± 1.71b 18.00 ± 0.19a dermatomycotic fungi.
Methanol 15.00 ± 0.19b 16.00 ± 1.69b 15.33 ± 2.18b
KC 21.00 ± 0.00a 19.00 ± 0.00a 15.00 ± 0.00b
DMSO 0.00 ± 0.00c 0.00 ± 0.00c 0.00 ± 0.00c 4. Discussion
Values described by the diferent letters within the same column are sig- In the current study, qualitative phytochemical analysis of
nifcantly diferent (P ≤ 0.05).
both P. lanceolata and S. ovata leaf extracts was undertaken.
P. lanceolata leaf crude extract found to contain steroids,
3.3. Determination of MIC and MFC. Te MIC values of the terpenoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, favonoids,
tested extracts from the plant P. lanceolata leaf against tested carbohydrates, quinones, and glycosides. Te above fnding
pathogenic fungi were generally varied from pathogen to was in line with the work peformed by Fayera et al. [8], who
pathogen (Table 3). Te ethyl acetate extract showed variable confrmed secondary metabolites belonging to diferent
MIC value ranging from 0.19 ± 0.00 to 0.65 ± 0.00 mg/mL. phytochemical groups from this plant including saponins,
Te lowest MIC value was on C. albicans and M. furfur, and tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, favonoids, and phenolic
the highest MIC value was recorded on M. globosa compounds. Likewise, crude extracts of S. ovata leaf were
(0.65 ± 0.00 mg/mL). Concerning the methanol extract, the found to contain terpenoids, phenols, saponins, alkaloids,
lowest MIC value (0.19 ± 0.00 mg/mL) was recorded on both favonoids, carbohydrates, quinones, and glycosides. Te
M. furfur and M. globosa, while the highest (0.52 ± 0.22 mg/ above fnding was in line with the research report by Irobi
mL) was observed against C. albicans. et al. [17] whose analysis of this plant showed the presence of
Te MIC values of the tested extracts from the plant carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponins, fxed oil, and phytos-
S. ovata leaf against tested microbes generally varied from terols. Te above fnding was still in concurrent with the
pathogen to pathogen. Generally, all tested fungal pathogens study report carried out by Souza et al. [18] whose analysis of
were inhibited by the lowest concentration of methanol Spiranthera odoratissima showed the presence of organic
extract compared to ethyl acetate extract. Terefore, acids, reducing sugars, favonoids, saponin compounds,
methanol extract was a better choice of extract that can exert coumarin compounds, phenolics, tannins, purine com-
efect on tested microbes (Table 3). pounds, catechins, favonol derivatives, sesquiterpene lac-
Concerning the combined efects of the two plants leaves tones, and anthraquinones. Tis shows that the
extracts; all the tested pathogens were inhibited by less phytochemicals from the studied plants leaves extracts had
concentration of ethyl acetate extracts of the two plants, i.e., contributed to their antimicrobial activity against the tested
0.19 mg/mL. Te same is true for methanol extract for both clinically isolated dermatomycotic fungi. Studies suggest
M. furfur and M. globosa with the exception of C. albicans that phenolic compounds disrupt microbial cell membranes
that inhibited by 0.39 mg/mL. [19] by changing the permeability and causing the leakage of
Based on the result obtained, the MFC values of the cellular content or interfere with membrane proteins
tested extracts from the plant P. lanceolata were generally resulting in structure disrupting [20–23]. Flavonoids also
varied in the range from 0.19 to 3.12 mg/mL. Ethyl acetate afect the cell membranes of microorganisms and inhibit
and methanol were the most potent extracts with a MFC nucleic acid synthesis (caused by topoisomerase inhibition)
value of 0.19 mg/mL for C. albicans and M. furfur, re- and energy metabolism (caused by NADH-cytochrome c
spectively. Higher (3.12 mg/mL) MFC was recorded against reductase or ATP synthase inhibition) [24, 25]. In addition,
C. albicans by methanol extract. Te MFC values recorded this secondary metabolite interrupts cell wall and cell
by ethyl acetate and methanol were 1.56 ± 0.00 and membrane synthesis. On the other hand, alkaloids possess
0.39 ± 0.00 mg/mL against M. globosa, respectively. the ability to disrupt the cell wall, inhibit DNA synthesis, and
Te MFC values of those extracts were from the plant interrupt activity of enzymes (esterase, DNA-polymerase,
S. ovata leaves varied across the fungal pathogens. Te lowest and RNA-polymerase) or cell respiration [26]. Quinones
MFC value of ethyl acetate, i.e., 3.12 ± 0.00 mg/mL, have a potential to form irreversible complex with nucle-
1.56 ± 0.00 mg/mL, and 1.56 ± 0.00 mg/mL was recorded ophilic amino acids in proteins. Probable targets in the
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 5

Table 3: MIC (mg/mL) and MFC (mg/mL) value of each extract of P. lanceolata and S. ovata leaves and their combined efect against
dermatomycotic fungi.
Dermatomycoytic fungi
Plants Crude extracts
C. albicans M. furfur M. globosa
Ethyl acetate 0.19 ± 0.00 0.19 ± 0.00 0.65 ± 0.00
P. lanceolata
Methanol 0.52 ± 0.22 0.19 ± 0.00 0.19 ± 0.00
Ethyl acetate 1.56 ± 0.00 0.65 ± 0.22 0.78 ± 0.00
MIC S. ovata
Methanol 0.19 ± 0.00 0.52 ± 0.00 0.19 ± 0.00
Ethyl acetate 0.19 ± 0.00 0.19 ± 0.22 0.19 ± 0.00
Combined efect
Methanol 0.39 ± 0.00 0.19 ± 0.00 0.19 ± 0.00
Ethyl acetate 0.19 ± 0.00 0.78 ± 0.00 1.56 ± 0.00
P. lanceolata
Methanol 3.12 ± 0.00 0.19 ± 0.00 0.39 ± 0.00
Ethyl acetate 3.12 ± 0.00 1.56 ± 0.00 1.56 ± 0.00
MFC S. ovata
Methanol 1.56 ± 0.00 0.19 ± 0.0 0.39 ± 0.00
Ethyl acetate 0.39 ± 0.00 0.19 ± 0.00 0.19 ± 0.00
Combined efect
Methanol 0.52 ± 0.00 0.19 ± 0.0 0.39 ± 0.00
Average MIC and MFC values were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (n � 3), and analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA followed by the
Bonferroni test.

Table 4: Combined efect of P. lanceolata and S. ovata leaf extract activities to the three tested dermatomycotic fungal path-
(mean ± SD, mm). ogens. Te possible explanation for this is that the plants are
rich in compounds with potential antifungal activities.
Crude extracts C. albicans M. furfur M. globosa Ethyl acetate extract from P. lanceolata showed higher
Ethyl acetate 25.67 ± 2.08a 28.33 ± 0.62a 32.00 ± 11.64a efects to all tested fungi compared to methanol extract with
Methanol 24.67 ± 4.04a 26.00 ± 0.41a 27.00 ± 0.41a the average zones of inhibition 28.67 ± 6.69 mm,
KC 21.00 ± 0.00b 19.00 ± 0.00b 15.00 ± 0.00b
27.00 ± 1.00 mm, and 18.17 ± 0.35 mm against M. furfur,
DMSO 0.00 ± 0.00c 0.00 ± 0.00c 0.00 ± 0.00c
M. globosa, and C. albicans, respectively. Te average zones
Values described by the diferent letters within the same column are sig-
nifcantly diferent (P ≤ 0.05).
of inhibition formed by ethyl acetate were better than the
report from Eshetie et al. [28]. Tis diference could be due to
methodology diference, the age of the plant, and the dif-
microbial cell are surface-exposed adhesins, cell wall poly- ference in the defense mechanism against foreign chemicals
peptides, and membrane-bound enzymes [21]. Tannins may by bacterial and fungal species.
act by inactivating/inhibiting microbial adhesins, enzymes, and Te current study indicated that both ethyl acetate and
cell envelope transport proteins [27]. Tannins also afect mi- methanol extracts of the plant S. ovata leaf had good an-
croorganisms in a number of ways which include destabilizing tifungal efect on C. albicans, M. furfur, and M. globosa.
their cell membrane, disrupting their metabolism, as well as Better result was obtained from the study report by Aki-
depriving the substrates required for microbial growth [22]. landeswariet et al. [29] on antimicrobial activity of leaf
Te three tested human pathogenic dermatomycotic extracts of S. acuta Burm related species. On the other hand,
fungi showed diferent antimicrobial susceptibility to leaf Abdulrahman et al. [30] obtained poor result on the same
extracts of both plants. Te possible reason for this diference plant leaf extract. Te variation could be diferences in ways
in antifungal activity could be the susceptibility pattern of of extract preparation, the diference in the species of plants,
the pathogens and the diferences in mechanism of actions of the diferent geographical and environmental conditions
the metabolites in each solvent fraction. during the growth of the plant as well as the diference in the
In this study, all the crude extracts were applied against age of the plants.
three dermatomycotic (superfcial) fungi. So, the antifungal According to the fndings of this study, the synergistic
activity of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from the plant efect P. lanceolata and S. ovata leaf extracts had larger
P. lanceoleta was tested against three fungal pathogens. It inhibition zone against tested dermatomycotic fungal
was found that the plant had antifungal activity against those pathogens than that of the leave extract of each plant applied
microbes. Tis fnding was in accordance with the studies separately. Te synergistic efect may be attributed to the
conducted in Ethiopia by Fayera et al. [8]. possibilities of the extracts afecting the diferent fungi
Previous studies on evaluating antimicrobial activities of processes in the cell [31]. Tis might be the basic reason why
the two medicinal plants against dermatomycotic fungi are the local community widely uses the mixture of crude ex-
scanty; the results cannot be compared with any other studies. tracts from those plants to treat diferent pathogenic fungal
However, we have tried to compare the results against the infections.
works performed on pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Te present study revealed that the lowest MIC values
Te antimicrobial activity of P. lanceolata in this study is observed by ethyl acetate extract from the P. lanceolata leaf
concurrent with the fndings of a study by Eshetie et al. [28]. against M. furfur and C. albicans were 0.19 ± 0.00, while the
Likewise, the plant S. ovata showed diferent antifungal MIC value of the same extract against M. globosa was
6 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

0.65 ± 0.00. Te MIC value recorded in this study was much [3] A. Kefalew, Z. Asfaw, and E. Kelbessa, “Ethnobotany of
better than the fnding report by Eshetie et al. [28] who medicinal plants in ada’a district, east shewa zone of oromia
reported the MIC value of 12.5 mg/mL–50 mg/mL against regional state, Ethiopia,” Journal of Ethnobiology and Eth-
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for fungal pathogens compared to bacterial pathogens. the traditional health practices of Ethiopia,” in Plant Genetic
Resources of Ethiopia, J. M. M. Engles, J. G. Hawkes, and
Concerning S. ovata leaf extracts, all the tested fungal
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pathogens were inhibited by the lowest concentration of
UK,pp. 101–113, 1991.
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Terefore, methanol extract was a better choice of extract mineral and phytochemical analysis of the leaves of Ocimum
that can exert efect on the tested microbes (Table 3). gratissimum L., Melanthera scandens A. and Leea guineensis
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[8] S. Fayera, G. N. Babu, A. Dekebo, and Y. Bogale, “Phyto-
From the overall study, it can be concluded that extracts
chemical investigation and antimicrobial study of leaf extract
from P. lanceolata and S. ovata leaf were found to contain
of Plantago lanceolata,” Natural Products Chemistry Resarch,
various phytochemical secondary metabolites. Te extracts
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