Antifungal Activity of Aqueous Extract of Mimusops elengi (Pulp and Seed) Against Phytopathogenic Fungi

Abstract

Research indicates that India, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, is home to a diverse array of fruit trees. Bakul, a tree native to the Indian peninsula's Western Ghats, is also known as Mimusops elengi Linn. (family Sapotaceae). However, this tree may now be seen flourishing in a number of tropical and subtropical areas across the globe. The tree, which has religious importance for Hindus, is described in a number of legendary literature. The stem, bark, leaves, and fruits are used in many traditional and Ayurvedic medicines to treat a range of ailments. In past times, ripe fruits were a staple diet, but today, no one knows how nutritious they are. Since they are little used today, no one is aware of the nutritional significance of ripe fruits, which were a significant component of the diet in prehistoric times.  In the past five years, preclinical studies have shown that Bakul extracts provide pharmacological backing for the traditional Ayurvedic applications of the tree.  These extracts exhibit diuretic, antihyperglycemic, antineoplastic, gastroprotective, antifungal, anti-cariogenic, free radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antinociceptive qualities.  Studies have shown that the tree may contain fruit parts, such as pulp and seed extracts, that have antifungal qualities against phytopathogenic fungi including Alternaria solanii and Fusarium oxysporum.  The antifungal efficacy of Mimusops elengi against phytopathogenic fungi is demonstrated in this study.