An in-vitro Evaluation of Antifungal Potential of Withania somnifera and Ageratum conyzoides weed plants against Alteneria solani

Abstract

The weed plants also known as ethnomedicinal plants due to their medicinal properties. These play a vital role as medicine due to their antibiotic compounds. Secondary metabolites contain structures which having activity against pathogen due to presence of phenolic, saponin, alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids which play a vital role to inhibit growth of pathogenic fungi. This study focused on common weeds viz. Ageratum conyzoides and Withania somnifera which found in bare area their no requirement of crop production. These exhibit antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic as well as anti-diuretic properties. The phytopathogenic fungus, such as A. solani was taken to assess the anti-fungal potential of these plants. Antifungal activity of A. conyzoides leaf (3.1cm), flower (1.75cm) and W. somnifera (0.8 cm) reported as zone of inhibition (ZOI).