HomeUIC Research Journalvol. 18 no. 1 (2012)

Pre Clinical Evaluation of Lagnub (Ficus septica, Moraceae) Leaf Crude Extract

Judee N. Nogodula | Preziel F. Gran | Lyn Venice I. Salamanca | Ellaine Ann S. Yeo

Discipline: Chemistry

 

Abstract:

Lagnub is popularly used by Ata Matigsalog in Arakan, North Cotabato in treating skin infections. Scientific investigation was done to prove its folkloric claim by determining the acute dermal toxicity level, mutagenic activity, antifungal property using Candida albicans ATCC and two clinical isolates and its Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Acute dermal toxicity was performed using the fixed dose of dried leaves at 1000 mg/kg (Sighting study) and 1000, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg for the main study. The protocol was based on OECD guideline. Susceptibility test for antifungal activity was done using Kirby-Bauer Method. Two-fold agar dilution was followed for Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Direct Method of Ames test was performed for mutagenicity. Results showed that the dried leaf crude extract was categorized as non-toxic because there were no deaths of rabbits or evident toxicity at the upper limit dose of 5000 mg/kg. However, Ames test revealed that the dried leaf extract was considered as mutagenic against Salmonella typhimurium TA98. Antifungal activity revealed that the leaf crude extract was interpreted as active having a zone of 16.67 mm ±5.3852 (C. albicans ATCC), clinical isolate 1 is 12.55 ±3.2974 mm, and clinical isolate 2 is 12.51 ±3.4278 mm. Statistically, there was a significant difference in the mean zones of inhibition exhibited by the plant material against the test organisms. Meanwhile, the minimum inhibitory concentration of lagnub was 52, 631.58 μg/mL