Phytochemical and antifungal activity of the stem bark of Eragrostis tremula found in Sokoto state

Abstract

Eragrostis tremula belongs to the family Poaceae. It is known as Burburwa in Hausa, and its common name is love grass. The plant is erect or ascending with flat leaf blades that can grow up to 20 cm long and 5 mm wide. In Sokoto, it is an important and valuable fodder, either grazed in pasture or cut into hay. The plant is used in the treatment of sore throat, toothache, and skin infection. This study investigates the phytochemical and antifungal activity of the stem bark of Eragrostis tremula against some common fungi such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubutun and Trichophyton mentagrophyte . The stem bark was sequentially extracted using organic solvents of increasing polarity. The stem of E. tremula revealed the presence of a range of phytochemicals such as saponins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and carbohydrates. The antifungal activity of n-hexane extract showed low activity against the tested organisms, whereas the ethyl acetate extract inhibited the growth of all the organisms rested.