Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-GARZA, R.G. et al. Bio-prospecting for antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus and Ariocarpus retusus. Polibotánica [online]. 2011, n.31, pp.143-155. ISSN 1405-2768.

The antifungal activity of methanolic extracts from Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus and A. retusus, two native xerophytes of northeastern Mexico, was determined on the fungal dermatophytes Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum canis and Microsporum cookei. Putative active metabolites were identified by phytochemical screening using evidence for functional groups; determination of antifungal activity was conducted by the disk-diffusion plate method as part of the process of understanding the chemistry and efficacy of these plant products. Doses tested were 125, 250 y 500 mg/mL. Extracts were positive for carbonyl groups, phenolic oxhidrils, sterols and methyl sterols, coumarins, sesquiterpenlactones, saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids. Extract from A. retusus (stem) yielded the greatest activity against Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum cookei. Univariate analysis of variance revealed that with regard to antifungal activity there were significant differences between fungi, culture media and analyzed doses with respect to positive control of ketoconazole. These results served to validate empirical knowledge about these plants in traditional medicine. These studies form a basis for further research in the search for bioactive compounds and the discovery of potential herbal medicaments.

Keywords : phytochemical screening; antifungic activity; methanolic extracts; Ariocarpus; xerophytes.