Phytochemical Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Leaves Extract of Vachellia seyal on Phytophthora infestants Isolated from rotten potatoes

Abstract

Studies looking at the presence of potent antimicrobial compounds in plants have been sparked by the use of plants and their extracts as treatments for various illnesses. The study aimed to analyze the antifungal and phytochemical properties of a methanolic extract of Vachellia seyal leaves on P. infestans isolated from rotten potato tubers. Following drying, the leaves were extracted using methanol as the solvent using cold maceration and percolation. To check for the existence of bioactive components, the extract underwent GC-MS analysis and qualitative phytochemical screening. The antifungal inhibitory activity of the leaf extract was assessed using agar well diffusion techniques. The results of the phytochemical screening indicated the presence of secondary metabolites, including terpenoids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and steroids, in the leaves. Thirty-five (35) compounds were detected from the GC-MS study; based on their peak, six (6) were determined to be the most prevalent. These compounds include 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester (23.35%), Squalene (11.84%), 9,15-Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, (Z,Z)- (10.63%), Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester (7.95%), (E)-9-Octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (7.19%) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (1.85%). With a growth inhibition zone of 37mm, the results showed that the leaf extract of V. seyal was effective against P. infestans. The response of V. seyal may have been caused by the presence of phenolic compounds and acetic acid from the leaf extract. Additionally, methanolic crude extract was more effective than ethyl acetate extracts in controlling the activities of certain fungal pathogens. According to the study, V. seyal has antifungal activity and needs to be considered as a possible antifungal agent while looking for novel treatments for fungal infections.