Antifungal Effect of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) Extract on Pathogenic Fungi

The study aimed at undertaking preliminary phytochemical studies and antifungal activities of Lawsonia inermis leaf extracts against clinical Candida isolates from female patients attending Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia, Nasarawa State. HVS (High Vaginal Swab) samples were collected from 185 subjects and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Microbial culture and isolations were done on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), Blood agar, Potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Sabouraud dextrose broth. Identification of clinical isolates was done following standard guideline for Candida identification including microscopic, cultural and biochemical characteristics (sugar utilization and fermentation). Antifungal susceptibility tests of the plant extracts at different concentrations were carried out against Candida isolates. Distilled water and ketoconazole drug served as negative and positive control respectively. Zones of inhibitions, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the extracts were determined. Data were analysed on the Minitab 16.0 software for descriptive (mean with standard error) and inferential statistics and Chi Square at 95% confidence limit. In conclusion, L.inermis leaf has been shown to have antifungal properties since it contained quality phytochemicals in sufficient quantity that may be explored in the synthesis of drugs against some species of Candida. This finding is crucial in the management and control of candidiasis in the study.