Determination and phytochemical analysis of anti- fungal/ringworm/ activity of newly growing stem extract of Croton macrostachyus (BISANA)

Phytochemical analysis and antifungal activity of the newly growing bud of Croton macrostachyus were determined in this study. The study employed the maceration method for the extraction of bioactive compounds from the study plant material. The solvents used were methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and petroleum ether. Phytochemical investigations were carried out to determine the presence of secondary metabolites by using standard procedures. The antifungal activity was tested against Epidermophyton floccosum. Among the solvents used, the chloroform extract showed prominent antifungal activity, with a zone of inhibition of 11.00 ± 0.17 mm at a 0.15g/0.5 mL concentration. This was slightly higher than the activity of the standard antifungal drug clotrimazole, which showed a zone of inhibition of 10.00 ± 0.10 mm, while the methanol and petroleum ether extracts remained completely inactive. This study contributes significantly to the current scientific understanding of Croton macrostachyus medicinal potential by offering a new perspective on the phytochemical makeup and possible therapeutic qualities of the plant. By identifying the active components responsible for its antifungal activity, it provides a scientific basis for the traditional use of this plant in Ethiopian medicine. KEY WORDS: Antifungal activity, Croton macrostachyus, Epidermophyton floccosum, Traditional medicine, Phytochemical Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2027, 41(1), 69-80. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v41i1.6