Phytochemical, Pharmacognostic and Antifungal study of Leaf extract of Spinacia Oleracea L. against Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

Background: Spinacia oleracea L. (spinach) is a leafy green vegetable commonly eaten for its dense phytochemical content and purported medicinal value. Although its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities have been extensively documented, little has been reported regarding its antifungal activity. The present work seeks to assess the pharmacognostic properties, phytochemical content, and antifungal activity of S. oleracea leaf extract against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
Methods: Leaves of S. oleracea were harvested, identified, and analyzed for pharmacognostic and physicochemical studies, such as microscopic examination and determination of extractive values. Phytochemical screening was done to detect bioactive compounds, and total phenolics and flavonoids were estimated quantitatively. Antifungal activity was determined by well diffusion and hair strand methods against fluconazole as a standard drug. MIC and MFC were also determined.
Results: Microscopic examination corroborated the existence of anisocytic stomata and strong vascular elements, affirming plant authenticity. Phytochemical screening showed high contents of phenolics (114.72 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (79.43 mg QE/g), which contributed to antifungal effects. Hydroalcoholic extract had the best inhibition zone (21.4 mm at 500 μg/mL), and the hair strand method showed an 85.3% inhibition of fungal colonization.
Conclusion: Spinacia oleracea leaf extract has strong antifungal action against S. cerevisiae and is presumably because of its high content of phytochemicals. From these results, spinach may potentially be a source for the development of natural antifungal compounds.