Phytochemical Composition, FT-IR Characterization, and In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Methanol Extract of Mitracarpus villosus

Abstract

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antifungal potential of the methanol extract of Mitracarpus villosus, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Nigeria to treat microbial infections. Phytochemical screening identified terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and quinones, whereas phlobatannins were absent. The extract’s antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent antifungal activity, with the greatest inhibition observed against C. albicans (19 mm at 500 µg/mL), followed by A. niger and A. flavus. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of bioactive functional groups, including N–H, C=O, and –CHO, which are commonly associated with antimicrobial activity. These findings provide empirical support for the traditional use of M. villosus and indicate its potential as a source of natural antifungal agents. Further research should isolate and characterize the active compounds and evaluate their pharmacological profiles.