Abstract

Dr. A. B. Fawehinmi* and F. O. Oyedeji

ABSTRACT

Leaves of Cassia occidentalis L were extracted with water, ethanol and petroleum ether. They were then screened for their activities against some selected dermatophytes. Creams formulated with the extracts of the leaves were subjected to stability tests by measuring the pH, Free-thaw test, Centrifugation and sensitivity to light. The formulated creams were subjected to temperature variation test at -10, 4, 30, 37 and 45oC. Ethanol and aqueous extracts showed significant antidermatophyte activity against most of the tested dermatophytes but the most active is the petroleum ether extract against Trichophyton mentagrophtes (12±1mm) followed by Microsporum audounii and Epidermophyton floccosum (12±0mm) and lastly by Malassezia furfur (10± 0 mm). All the formulations were stable to Temperature variation. However, petroleum ether extract based cream coalescence during Centrifuge testing at 4000rpm. There was no change in the colour of the creams during light testing. Moisture loss on drying indicated Co.E (6.36%) < Co.W (6.39%) < Co.Pet (6.41%). From the result obtained, it showed that the plant extracts can be utilized in the management of dermatophytosis when formulated as a cream for topical use.