GC-MS Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Senna alata Linn

This study evaluated the antifungal activity, chemical and the phytochemical constituents of Senna alata Linn using standard agar well diffusion and broth dilution techniques, GC-MS and standard recommended method of the Association of Analytical Chemists respectively. Results obtained revealed that all the different extracts showed reasonable zone of inhibitions but to varying degree of efficacies. Of the different extracts tested, ethanolic extract displayed the highest activity as reflected in their mean zone of inhibition ranging from 73.6mm to 167.4mm. This was followed by the activity of the chloroform extract that ranges from average zone of inhibition of 38-91mm. The aqueous extract showed the least mean zones of inhibition that ranges from 33-57mm. This observation was also corroborated by the MIC and the MBC values.The mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library. The GC-MS analysis of ethanolic extract led to identification of 78compounds including xylene, alcohol, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, fatty alcohol, acetic acid, ketones and ester. The compounds were identified by comparing their retention time and peak area with that of literature and by interpretation of mass spectra. Also, Senna alata Linn was also found containing saponins, alkaloids, tannins, phlobatannins, anthraquinones, cardenolides, steroidal ring and flavonoids. It can thus be inferred that Senna alata Linn posseses good antifungal activity and such activities might be ascribed to the presence of the phytochemicals and some of the chemical constituents.