Senna siamea Hexane Extract: Potent Antifungal Activity Against Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Identification of Its Chemicals Content

Background: Senna siamea contains several chemical: flavonoid, steroids, terpenoids, alkaloid, and tanin which is as an antifungal againts of Candida sp because interfere function of the fungal cell membrane and inhibit syntesis of chitin. Candida albicans and Candida krusei could causing oral candidiasis, vulvovaginal infections, life threatening candidiasis, such as candidemia and internal organ infections. S. siamea is a medicinal plant which empirically used as antifungal. S. siamea leaves has been reported to exhibit activity against Candida sp but limited to ethanol extract. Thus, the evaluation of other extract- and identification of active compound(s) against C. albicans and C. krusei is needed to be explore. Methods: First, the microscopic morphology of S. siamea leaves were observed using Scanning Electron Microscope. The leaves were then extracted sequentially by hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol solvent using the ultrasonic assisted extraction method, followed by its in vitro antifungal activity evaluation. The most active extract was further evaluated for its chemical(s) content by LC MS. Results: Scanning Electron Microscope identified the presence of oxalate in the leaves of S. siamea. Evaluation of the antifungal activity showed that the hexane extract had highest antifungal compared to others. Conclusions: S. siamea hexane extract leaf is prospective to be developed as an antifungal. Further in vivo research are needed.