SUPERFICIAL ANTICANDIDOSIC ACTIVITY OF LEAVES OF COMBRETUM RACEMOSUM P. BEAUV. (COMBRETACEAE) EXTRACTS

This preliminary work consists in evaluating the superficial anticandidic activity of the leaves of Combretum racemosum P. Beauv in humans. To this end, we first demonstrated bioactive compounds of five (5) crude extracts (aqueous and hydro-organic 70%) from C. racemosum. Then, and finally, we have separately evaluated the superficial anticandidic activity of these extracts on Candida albicans, a species of genus Candida, mostly encountered in superficial human candidiasis. C. albicans was found to be sensitive to the five extracts tested. This partly justifies the use of C. racemosum in traditional medical practice against superficial microbial diseases. For these extracts, the Inhibitory Minimum Concentrations (MIC) recorded ranged from 7.8125 mg/mL to 62.550 mg/mL; While Fungicide Minimum Concentrations (CMF) range from 31.25 ± 0.00 mg/mL to 62.550 mg/mL. Concentrations for Fifty Percent Inhibition (IC50) range from 0.930 mg/mL to 3.861 mg/mL. The hydroethanolic macerated extract 70% (Eeth 70%) is the most active fraction on C. albicans (CMF = 7.8125 ± 0.00 mg/mL, IC50 = 0.941 ± 0.009 mg/mL) compared to the total of the five crude extracts tested. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the five crude extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids steroids and tannins (catechics and gallics) at various levels of concentration in our study. Eeth 70%, the most active extract in our work, contains in medium concentrations the same active ingredients cited above. Finally, we note that the hydroethanolic macerated extract 70% is the most active fractions in this work. It may, however, subject to toxicological studies, be used in the treatment of theskin, the cutaneous appendages and the mucous membranes in humans. Keywords: Combretum racemosum, phytochemical screening, superficial anticandidi