Antioxidant and Antifungal Potential of Murraya Koenigii Leaves Extracts (Crude) and Essential Oil

Abstract

The present study was aimed for the evaluation of antioxidant activity and antifungal activity of essential oil and crude extracts (methanol and ethanol) of Murraya koenigii leaves. The antioxidant activity of these extracts was determined by DPPH (1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay. It was found that free radical scavenging activity of Murraya koenigii essential oil and crude extracts was significantly higher in methanol extract among all the extracts studied. The extracts showed lower antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid used as reference. Similarly, the antifungal activity of these extracts was determined by poisoned food technique. On comparing the antifungal activities of three extracts on Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani, the activity of methanol extract was higher against Rhizoctonia solani than Fusarium oxysporum in comparison to rest of the extract, while essential oil showed moderate activity. The extracts showed lower antifungal activity compared to acetic acid used as reference. Therefore Murraya koenigii can be used as medicinal agents beneficial for enhancing the antioxidant and antifungal activity.