Antifungal Properties and Phytochemical Composition of Ficus platyphylla Stem Bark and Leaves Extracts

Introduction: Ficus platyphylla is a plant species used in traditional medicine to treat microbial diseases. The leaves and stem bark are the most widely used parts of this plant. Stady Design: It was a prospective study. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate alternative plant-based treatments for mycoses in Togo. Methods: Hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of the bark and leaves of F. platyphylla were tested in a comparative approach on five reference strains (Candida albicans ATCC90028, Candida krusei ATCC6258, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 9533 and Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC 13073), and two clinical strains (Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis), using the broth microdilution method. Results: Hydroethanol extracts were more active. Dermatophyte strains were more sensitive, with MICs ranging from 0.31 to 2.5 mg/mL. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, polyphenols and tannins, justifying the antifungal properties observed. Conclusion: The hydroethanol extract of F. platyphylla leaves has significant antifungal potential and should be explored in further studies, particularly therapeutic studies.