Antifungal Activity of Petrolium and Ethanolic Extracts of Moringa Oleifera Leaves against Penicillium Chrysogenum and Cryptococcus Neoformans

Moringa oleifera is well known medicinal plant. Its different parts are widely used for the treatment of different types of diseases since is have antibacterial and antifungal activity. The leaves are rich in iron, rhamnose and a unique group of compounds called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. Other medical proprieties include antipyretic, antiepileptic, antiinflamatory, antiulcerative, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, anti diabetic. The current investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antifungal activities by petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves against Penicillium crysogenum and Cryptococcus neoformans. From our study, it is found that as concentration of Moringa leaves extract increases the diameter of zone of inhibition found increased. The results were higher and effective for ethanolic extract than petroleum extract. The result were also found more effective against Cryptococcus neoformans than Penicillium crysogenum.