Antifungal properties of seeds Cassia tora Linn

Abstract

Approximately 2,400 species of plants possess pesticidal properties.1 Cassia tora belongs to the family Leguminosae. It is an annual monsoon weed prevalent in wastelands having antimicrobial properties.2 The ecofriendly antimicrobial properties of its seed gum has been reported by different workers.3–5 Keeping the problem of pollution and health hazards of conventional agrochemicals in view, a study was conducted to test its seed-extract against the common aerial fungus (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides), soil-fungus (Fusarium oxysporum) and root-rot-fungus (Ganoderma lucidum) found abundant in forest ecosystem. Arrays of seed-extract with varied concentrations of Cassia tora in different organic solvents were screened to identify the maximum antifungal activity.