Objective: To isolate the active fraction from crude extract of Gracilaria changii and to determine its
in vitro antifungal activity.
Materials and Methods: The active fraction was isolated from the crude extract of
G. changii by various purification procedures such as column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, bioauthograph etc. The
in vitro antifungal activity (
Candida albicans
) of the active fraction (1.00, 0.50, and 0.25 mg/ml) was studied by disc diffusion method and the effect of the active fraction on the morphology of yeast was done by scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies.
Results: An active fraction with remarkable antifungal activity was separated from the crude extract. The active fraction was effective as a fungicide against
C. albicans and showed a dose-dependent antifungal activity. A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) study confirmed the fungicidal effect of
G. changii active fraction on
C. albicans, by changing the normal morphology of C. albicans.
Conclusion: From
G. changii crude extract, an active fraction with remarkable in vitro antifungal activity has been isolated.
