ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTED FROM AVOCADO (PERSEA AMERICANA) AND BLACK PEAR (DACRYODES EDULIS) AGAINST TINEA CAPITIS AND PITYROSPORUM OVALE.
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Fungal infections of the scalp, such as Tinea capitis and Pityrosporum ovale, are prevalent in many countries, in Nigeria particularly among children and individuals with compromised immunity. These infections can cause discomfort, social stigma, and complications if left untreated. Current treatment options, including antifungal shampoos and oral medications, can be expensive and associated with side effects such as liver toxicity and allergic reactions. The aim of this work is to investigate the antimicrobial activity of essential oil extracted from avocado (persea Americana) and black pear (dycryodes edulis) against fungal pathogens responsible for scalp infections, particularly Tinea capitis and Pityrosporum ovale. Sample of avocado and African pear were purchased from Muda lawal market in Bauchi, Bauchi state. The oil was extracted using traditional method. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins in both oils and absence of steroids and saponin in both the oils. Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum canis, and Pityrosporum ovale was confirmed using cultural and microscopic analysis. Antifungal susceptibility testing using agar well diffusion method revealed that both essential oils exhibited significant inhibitory activity. Both avocado and black pear oil showed does-dependent antifungal activity against Tinea capitis and Piytosporum ovale. for avocado oil, inhibition zones at 80mg/ml were 23.7mm for m. canins, 22.3mm and for T. tonsurans and 19.3mm for P. ovale. Black pear oil produced inhibition zones of 23.9mm for T. tonsurans, 22.5mm for M. canins, and 19.1mm for P. ovale. The minimum fungicidal concentrations (20-40mg/ml) confirmed strong fungicidal effects, with avocado oil showing slightly higher potency. Overall, P. ovale was the most susceptible fungus.
Key words: Antimicrobial, avocado pear, black pear, Tinea capitis, Pityrosporum ovale.
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