Evaluation of anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of extract from Cassia fistula leaves

Introduction: Prolonged use of antibiotics and antifungals for treating oral infections may develop resistance as a consequence of which medicinal plants having antimicrobial properties are being used to explore natural alternatives that are almost equally effective along with being cost-effective to cater to patients having financial constraints. Objective: The objective of this paper was to examine the presence of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal potential of the extract drawn from cassia fistula leaves. Ethanolic extract of cassia fistula leaves was evaluated for antimicrobial potential against bacterial and fungal strains responsible for causing denture-related stomatitis (DRS). Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, cassia fistula leaf extract was obtained using the Soxhlet apparatus. Anti-bacterial potential was examined utilizing the agar well diffusion method whereas anti-fungal ability was observed using the tube dilution method which aided in evaluating the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for the extract. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal potential of cassia fistula leaf extract was tested contrary to staphylococcus aureus and candida albicans. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) of the extract for anti-bacterial activity was compared with 5µg/ml ampicillin while the MIC of the extract (4mg, 8mg, 16mg, 32mg, 64mg, 128mg) for anti-fungal potential was evaluated contrary to candida albicans. Results: The outcomes exhibited the anti-bacterial potential of the extract against staphylococcus aureus which was confirmed by giving the ZOI to be 22mm whereas the anti-fungal potential of the extract in contrast to candida albicans was confirmed with the MIC to be 8mg/ml. Conclusions: The research inferences from the analysis indicate that the ethanolic extract obtained from cassia fistula leaves shows potent antifungal and antibacterial properties. As a result, this plant holds the capacity as a natural medicinal resource for addressing diverse oral infections.