Acute toxicity and antifungal activity of Pereskia bleo leaves extracts against Aspergillu. niger and Candida albicans

Pereskia bleo is a common folk plant used by the local community in Malaysia for its medicinal properties. Pereskia bleo leaves extract (PBL extracts) was subjected to preliminary qualitative phytochemical investigation by using standard procedures. This study was aimed on screening the acute toxicity and antifungal activity of PBL extracts against Aspergillus. niger and Candida albicans. PBL extracts were prepared by maceration. Acute toxicity is carried out by using OECD guidelines. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values were determined by serial dilution. The antifungal activities of the extracts against fungus were tested by using Kirby-Baeur Disk Diffusion Method. Acute study was found to be safe even upto 2gm oral route. The Froth Test indicates presence of Saponin. PBL extracts shows the highest Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value in the 25% v/v against Aspergillus niger and 100%v/v against Candida albicans. PBL extracts demonstrated synergistic effect with itraconazole against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.