Phytochemical potentiality and antifungal activity of extracts from Cymbopogon citratus and Xylopia aethiopica : a biopreservation strategy for charmout against fungal strains in N'Djamena, Chad

Phytochemical potentiality and antifungal activity of extracts from Cymbopogon citratus and Xylopia aethiopica : a biopreservation strategy for charmout against fungal strains in N'Djamena, Chad | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Phytochemical potentiality and antifungal activity of extracts from Cymbopogon citratus and Xylopia aethiopica : a biopreservation strategy for charmout against fungal strains in N'Djamena, Chad BRAHIM ADOUM AHMAT, AL-LAMADINE MAHAMAT, Abdelsalam Adoum Doutoum, and 6 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8192645/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 7 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The use of medicinal plants is crucial in traditional and modern medicine. In Africa, fungal infections, particularly those caused by foodstuffs such as charmout (dried meat) in Chad, are a significant public health problem. The present study evaluated the phytochemical and antifungal potential of extracts from Cymbopogon citratus leaves, Xylopia aethiopica fruit, and essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus against the microflora that causes charmout spoilage ( Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp. , Fusarium sp. ). Phytochemical analysis revealed that both plants are rich in secondary metabolites. The levels of phenol in X. aethiopica and C. citratus were found to be 72.37 ± 0.59 mgEqAG/gMS and 74.96 ± 0.85 mgEqAG/gMS, respectively. The presence of saponins was also detected, with X. aethiopica being particularly rich in these compounds. X. aethiopica was distinguished by a greater abundance of tannins and alkaloids in comparison the C. citratus. The ethanolic extracts of both plants exhibited strong inhibitory activity at concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/mL. The ethanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus demonstrated a high level of inhibition against Mucor sp. and Fusarium sp. over a period of seven days at elevated concentrations. In contrast, the aqueous extracts showed negligible activity after three days, highlighting the ineffectiveness of water in extracting the major active compounds. The study corroborates the substantial potential of these plants as effective biopreservatives for the fungicidal protection of charmout , emphasising the necessity for optimisation of concentrations to ensure sustainable protection. Biopreservation antifungal activity charmout Cymbopogon citratus Xylopia aethiopica Chad Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 INTRODUCTION The utilisation of medicinal plants is an age-old practice that persists in the global healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), herbal preparations constitute a fundamental component of primary healthcare for up to 80% of the global population (WHO, 2007). The significance of natural resources is increasing not only in traditional medicine, but also in modern medicine, where almost 74% of plant-based medicines have uses that overlap with their traditional applications (Saggar et al. 2022; Al-worafi et al.2022). In the face of emergence of antimicrobial resistance and persistent challenges in the treatment of various diseases, the search for new bioactive molecules particularly antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal compounds has become a priority (Kieltyka-Dadasiewicz et al. 2024). These phytochemical compounds, obtained through traditional or modern processes (e.g. maceration, decoction, extraction, etc.), offer significant therapeutic potential against a wide range of human and animal diseases (Agaie et al. 2007; Da et al. 2015; Ouédraogo et al. 2019; Ouédraogo et al. 2021). In numerous developing countries, opportunistic fungal diseases and fungal contamination of foodstuffs constitute a substantial public health problem (Okigbo et al. 2008). It is evident that the preservation of foodstuffs represents a significant challenge. Charmout (smoked and dried meat), a widely consumed foodstuff in Chad, is particularly vulnerable to spoilage by fungal flora. This contamination not only compromises the quality and shelf life of the product, but also exposes consumers to the risk of mycotoxins. (Maloba et al. 2025). In this context, the use of natural substances is particularly appropriate. The present study evaluated the phytochemical potential and activity of extracts of Xylopia aethiopica and Cymbopogon citratus for the conservation and preservation of charmout quality. MATERIAL AND METHODS Plant material The plant material utilised in this study encompassed fresh leaves of Cymbopogon citratus (Fig. 2 a) harvested on 22 October 2024 in the Sabangali district and fruits of Xylopia aethiopica (Fig. 2 b) procured at the central market in N'Djamena (Fig. 1 ) on 25 October 2024. The samples were dispatched to the Food Science and Nutrition Research Laboratory (LaRSAN). Subsequent to the process of transportation, the material underwent a drying procedure at ambient temperature, in conditions that were devoid of both light and dust. The drying time for Cymbopogon citratus leaves was three to four days. The samples were then subjected to grinding using a mechanical grinder, with approximately 1 kg of powder being obtained from each sample. This powder was subsequently packaged in plastic bags and stored in a manner that ensured it was protected from light and moisture pending extraction. Fungal material The fungal material utilised in this study comprises moulds previously isolated from samples of charmout collected from diverse markets in N'Djamena. The aforementioned samples were identified as Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp. and Fusarium sp., which are considered to be the primary agents of contamination and biodeterioration of the foodstuff in question. These organisms are frequently implicated in the production of mycotoxins (Pandey et al. 2023). The fungal strains were maintained and cultured on Sabouraud medium, with the addition of chloramphenicol to inhibit bacterial growth and ensure the purity of the cultures. Phytochemical study A preliminary phytochemical study of the extract powder was conducted using conventional analytical chemistry methods with the objective of determining the presence of major classes of phenolic and nitrogenous compounds, including alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and flavonoids. Alkaloid test (Wagner's reagent) : The add a few drops of Dragendorff's reagent to a 2-mL extract is required to facilitate the desired reaction. The presence of an orange colour or precipitate is indicative of the presence of alkaloids. In the event of a positive test result, the presence of polyphenols must be confirmed using Nessler's reagent. Subsequently, two to three drops of Nessler's reagent should be addited to 2 mL of extract. The presence of a yellowish precipitate is indicative to the presence of alkaloids (Harbone, 1973; Wagner, 1983). Saponin test (foaming test) The quantity of plant powder required for this experiment is 1 g. This should be placed in a 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask. The next step is to added 100 mL of distilled water. The mixture should be heated gently. The substance should then be filtered, cooled and made up to 100 mL with distilled water. The filtrate (10 mL) should then be transferred into a test tube and vigorously shaken for 15 seconds. The tube should be placed in an upright position for a period of 15 minutes. Should the foam persist beyond this designated period, it can be deduced that the plant drug contains saponins (Wagner, 1983). Tannin test: A quantity of 5 g of the powder is to be placed in 100 mL of boiling water in an Erlenmeyer flask. Following a 15-minute infusion, the solution should be filtered and made up to 100 mL with distilled water. Five (5) mL of the 5% infusion is placed into a test tube, followed by the addition of 1 millilitre of a 1% aqueous solution of FeCl 3 . In the presence of gallic tannins, a greenish or blue-black colouration is observed to develop. The presence of catechin tannins is revealed through the use of Stiasny's reagent, as evidenced by research conducted by Edeoga et al.(2005) and Koffi et al.(2015). Glycoside test (Benedict's reagent) : A quantity of 0.5 g of the powder was mixed with 10 mL of boiling distilled water for the purpose of extraction. Glycoside hydrolysis was performed on 2 mL of the filtrate by the addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid, followed by the subsequent alkalisation with ammonia. Five drops of the hydrolysed solution were then boiled with 2 mL of Benedict's reagent. The formation of a reddish-brown precipitate was indicative of the presence of glycosides. Flavonoid test In a test tube, 2 mL of hydrochloric alcohol (a mixture of 95% ethanol, distilled water and concentrated hydrochloric acid, equivalent to the volume of the mixture) was added to 1 mL of n-amyl alcohol, along with a few magnesium shavings, to which 2 mL of infusate was added. The presence of a pink-orange (flavones) or pink-purple (flavanones) or red (flavonones, flavanonols) hue in the isoamyl alcohol superiores layer is indicative of the presence of a free flavonoid (genin). The presence of flavone glycosides results in a reduction of colour intensity (Wagner, 1983). Quantitative study The quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites in Xylopia aethiopica and Cymbopogon citratus is based on the use of spectrophotometric methods, which require the establishment of calibration curves (Fig. 3 ) to determine the concentration of the compounds of interest. Evaluation of the antifungal bioactivity of extracts Preparation of total extracts The pulverised plant samples were then subjected to extraction. For each plant organ ( Cymbopogon citratus and Xylopia aethiopica ), two types of crude extracts were prepared: an aqueous extract and an ethanolic extract. Preparation of aqueous extracts A 50 g sample of plant powder was macerated in 500 mL of distilled water for 48 hours at room temperature, with constant agitation using a magnetic stirrer. Following the maceration process, the extract solution was subjected to a dual filtration procedure on cotton (utilising a funnel) with the objective of removing plant debris. The filtrate obtained was then collected in a ceramic dish and placed in an oven at 50°C for a period of 72 hours, in order to facilitate complete drying. Subsequent to the desiccation of the extract, the residual aqueous solution was meticulously removed, weighed and transferred to an airtight container. This procedure enabled the calculation of the extraction yield (Compaore et al. 2021). Preparation of ethanol extracts The extraction of Ethanolic extraction was conducted through the process of maceration, involving the immersion of 50 g of plant materiel in 500 mL of ethanol solution at ambient temperature for a duration of 24 hours, with continuous mechanical agitation. Following filtration, the filtrate was subjected to complete evaporation at 50°C using an oven in order to obtain the crude extract (Compaoré et al. 2021). Determination of extraction yield The extraction yield (R) was determined for each type of extract (aqueous and ethanolic) using the following formula : $$\:\varvec{R}\:\left(\varvec{\%}\right)=\frac{\varvec{M}\varvec{a}\varvec{s}\varvec{s}\:\varvec{o}\varvec{f}\:\varvec{e}\varvec{x}\varvec{t}\varvec{r}\varvec{a}\varvec{c}\varvec{t}}{\varvec{M}\varvec{a}\varvec{s}\varvec{s}\:\varvec{o}\varvec{f}\:\varvec{v}\varvec{e}\varvec{g}\varvec{e}\varvec{t}\varvec{a}\varvec{b}\varvec{l}\varvec{e}\:\varvec{p}\varvec{o}\varvec{w}\varvec{d}\varvec{e}\varvec{r}}\varvec{X}100$$ In vitro evaluation of antifungal activity The antifungal activity of the crude extracts and essential oil was determined in vitro by the agar incorporation method according to Senhaji et al . (2005), by measuring the inhibition of mycelial growth of fungal strains isolated from charmout . The experimental tests were conducted using crude extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) from Cymbopogon citratus leaves and Xylopia aethiopica seeds, in addition to essential oil extracted from Cymbopogon citratus leaves. This evaluation enabled the determination of the primary parameters of antifungal activity, including the diameters of the inhibition zones, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) (Skandamis and Nychas, 2001). The A method was utilised to determine this. The immersion of discs in oil B was conducted in a Petri dish containing agar, with an essential oil disc positioned centrally. The experimental part comprised the following materials materials and methods : micro-dilution in liquid medium. The essential oil is initially prepared by means of emulsion in an ethanol solvent at a concentration of 1 mg/µl, with a view to dispersing the compounds and improve enhancing their contact with the germs to be tested. Subsequent dilutions of the solution obtained are then carried out by geometric progression to obtain the following dilutions. According to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, 2008), the following values should be used : 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64 and 1/128. Preparation of extract solutions The essential oil (EO) of Cymbopogon citratus was solubilised in ethanol at a ratio of 1:9 (v/v). Stock solutions of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. citratus and X. aethiopica at a concentration of 20 mg/mL were prepared under aseptic conditions in a laminar flow hood. A series of dilutions of each stock solution was carried out in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) culture medium, with the addition of chloramphenicol as a preservative. The following final concentrations were obtained in the agar for testing : 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, and 2 mg/mL (Bakarnga-VIA et al. 2022). Preparation of Petri dishes The prepared media, containing the different concentrations of essential oils, were poured into sterile Petri dishes (90 mm in diameter) at a rate of 20 mL/dish and left under the fume hood until solidification. Dishes devoid of any extract were utilised as growth controls. Inoculation and monitoring of fungal growth Each Petri dish was inoculated in the centre with a 6 mm diameter mycelial disc (explant) taken from a young culture (3 to 4 days old) using a sterile cookie cutter. The boxes were hermetically sealed and then placed into an inverted position within an incubator set to a temperature of 37°C. Mycelial growth was monitored on a daily basis over a period of seven days. Growth was quantified by measuring two perpendicular diameters (D1 and D2) marked on the reverse of each Petri dish (Akakpo et al. 2023). The diameter of daily mycelial growth (D) was calculated by subtracting the diameter of the explant (DE) from the average of the two measured diameters : $$\:\mathbf{D}=\frac{\varvec{D}1+\varvec{D}2}{2}-\varvec{D}\varvec{E}$$ The antifungal activity of the essential oil was evaluated by the percentage of inhibition (% I), calculated in relation to the average diameter of fungal growth in the control box (Dt), according to the following formula : $$\:\mathbf{\%}\:\mathbf{I}=\frac{\varvec{D}\varvec{t}-\varvec{D}\varvec{e}}{2}\:100$$ Where " De " represents the average diameter of fungal growth in the box containing the extract. Determination of Minimum Inhibitory and Fungicidal Concentrations Following a period incubation spanning seven days, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined as the lowest extract concentration that resulted in no observable macroscopic mycelial growth in the Petri dishes. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and the nature of the inhibition were determined by subculture. Explantations that exhibited no visible growth after seven days of incubation at the MIC and higher concentrations were transferred to new Petri dishes containing sterile culture medium without extract supplementation. Following a subsequent incubation period : Should mycelial growth be observed once more, the extract will be designated as fungistatic, a classification that denotes its capacity to impede fungal growth without exerting an lethal effect. In the absence of observed growth, the extract is designated as fungicidal, that is to say, it is lethal to the fungus. The lowest of these concentrations is thus defined as the FIC. The fungicidal nature of the extract was quantified by the MIC/CMF ratio. A ratio equal to 1 or 2 indicates a fungicidal effect, while a ratio greater than 2 indicates a fungistatic effect (CLSI, 2002). RESULTS Extraction yields The extraction yields for both plants ( Xylopia aethiopica and Cymbopogon citratus ) were calculated using two solvents (water and ethanol), and the results are presented in Table 1 . Table 1 Extraction yield Plants Part used Aqueous extract Ethanolic extract Xylopia aethiopica Fruit 8.2 30 Cymbopogon citratus Leaf 16 19 The extraction yield ranged from 8.2 to 30%. The lowest yields were obtained with the aqueous extract for both species. In contrast, the ethanolic extract yielded the highest yields for Xylopia aethiopica (30%) and Cymbopogon citratus (19%). Phytochemical screening results Qualitative phytochemistry The results of the comparative phytochemical analysis of Guinea fruit ( Xylopia aethiopica ) and lemongrass leaves ( Cymbopogon citratus ) are presented in Table 2 , with the emphasis on the richness and relative abundance of four major classes of chemical compounds in each plant sample. Table 2 Chemical characterisation results for Cymbopogon citratus and Xylopia aethiopica Chemical groups Xylopia aethiopica Cymbopogon citratus Alkaloids ++ + Tannins ++ + Saponins +++ ++ Phenols +++ +++ Key (-) = Totally absent ; (+) = Slightly present ; (++) = Moderately abundant ; (+++) = Very abundant. Quantitative phytochemistry As illustrated in Fig. 3 , the secondary metabolism curves for Xylopia aethiopica and Cymbopogon citratus are presented . Table 3 below shows the quantified contents of the main chemical groups in the crude extract of the two plants, expressed in milligrams of standard equivalent per gram of dry matter (mg/gDM), with their margins of error. Table 3 Results of quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites of Cymbopogon citratus and Xylopia aethiopica Chemical groups Cymbopogon citratus Xylopia aethiopica Calibration unit Phenols 72.37 ± 0.59 74.96 ± 0.85 mgEqAG/gMS Tannins 26.41 ± 0.13 44.35 ± 0.62 mgEqCat/gDM Saponins 63.29 ± 0.78 61.47 ± 0.73 mgEqGal/gDM Alkaloids 41.52 ± 0.44 46.17 ± 0.67 mgEqQui/gDM The following abbreviations are employed in this text : mgEqAG/gDM : milligram of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry matter; mgEqCat/gDM : milligram of catechin equivalent per gram of dry matter; mgEqGal/gDM : milligram of galactose equivalent per gram of dry matter; mgEqQui/gDM : milligrams of quinine equivalent per gram of dry matter Evaluation of the antifungal activity of crude extracts Summary of inhibitory activity at 72 hours Macroscopic observations made after 72 hours of incubation revealed strong inhibition of fungal growth in the boxes containing the extracts in comparison to the control (Sabouraud medium alone). The results of this study are presented in Table 4 . Table 4 Results of exposure to the crude extract after 72 hours of incubation Plant species PU 24H 48H 72 hours Macroscopic characteristics of colonies (size, appearance, colour, etc.) Xylopia aethiopica EE - - + Small, round colonies EA + + + Small, granular, beige colonies Cymbopogon citratus EE - + + Small, flat, yellow colonies EA + + + Medium, granular, yellowish colonies Key : PU : Part used; EE : Ethanolic extract; EA : Aqueous extract The antifungal activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts is demonstrated in Figs. 4 and 5 , respectively, at varying concentrations and after an incubation period of 7 days Qualitative evaluation of the efficacy of the extracts on fungal strains As illustrated in Table 5 , the evaluation of antifungal activity on various fungal genera was conducted after 72 hours peroid. The findings of this evaluation demonstrate that the ethanol extracts exhibited superior inhibitory activity. Table 5 Results of the evaluation of the antifungal activity of extracts on fungal genera Strains Plants Aqueous extract Ethanol extract Aspergillus niger Xylopia aethiopica + - Lemongrass - - Mucor Xylopia aethiopica - - Lemongrass + - Fusarium Xylopia aethiopica + + Lemongrass + - key : - = No colony; + = Colony present This observation indicates that the ethanol extracts of Xylopia aethiopica and Cymbopogon citratus demonstrate a degree of activity, in contrast to the aqueous extracts, which exhibit reduced activity at the concentrations examined. Evaluation of the inhibitory effects of the extracts Daily monitoring of mycelial growth over on seven days at a temperature of 27°C permitted the inhibitory effect of the various concentrations of extracts to be evaluated (Table 6 ). Table 6 Results of the inhibitory effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. citratus and X. aethiopica on the three fungal strains Extracts Plants Microorganisms Day Concentrations 0.15 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 2 Aqueous C. citratus A. Niger 1 1.01 1.10 1.09 0.55 0.02 0.03 2 1.02 1.91 1.01 0.98 0.53 0.08 3 to 7 + + + + + + X. aethiopica A. Niger 1 1.01 1.18 1.06 0.93 0.06 0.06 2 1.23 1.71 1.13 0.96 0.13 0.09 3 to 7 + + + + + + C. citratus Mucor sp. 1 1.01 0.98 1.06 0.93 0.04 0.06 2 1.02 1.02 1.01 0.96 0.13 0.09 3 0.99 1.00 0.06 1.06 0.03 0.79 4 0.41 0.28 1.01 0.75 0.08 0.07 5 to 7 + + + + + + X. aethiopica Mucor sp. 1 1.01 1.96 1.06 0.93 0.04 0.03 2 1.62 1.01 1.01 0.73 0.13 0.08 3 to 7 + + + + + + C. citratus Fusarium sp. 1 to 5 - - - - - - 6 0.07 - - - - - 7 0.81 0.48 - - - - X. aethiopica Fusarium sp. 1 1.62 1.07 0.24 0.91 0.07 0.06 2 1.76 1.22 0.27 1.06 0.13 0.09 3 to 7 + + + + + + Ethanolic C. citratus A. Niger 1 to 4 - - - - - - 5 0.04 0.01 0.03 0.07 0.84 0.02 6 0.07 0.20 0.05 1.05 0.69 0.12 7 0.81 0.46 0.08 1.99 0.31 0.22 C. citratus Mucor sp. 1 to 4 - - - - - - 5 0.38 1.08 0.015 - - - 6 1.03 0.63 0.035 - - - 7 0.96 0.01 0.024 - - - C. citratus Fusarium sp. 1 to 5 - - - - - - 6 0.07 - - - - - 7 0.81 0.48 - - - - X. aethiopica A. Niger 1 0.15 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 2 2 to 5 - - - - - - 6 1.65 0.14 0.33 0.31 - - 7 1.71 1.22 0.88 1.03 - - X. aethiopica Mucor sp. 1 and 2 - - - - - - 3 0.03 1.12 0.06 - - - 4 0.53 0.18 1.01 - - - 5 0.43 0.24 0.06 0.33 1.09 0.01 6 1.21 0.60 0.08 0.54 1.63 0.05 7 1.81 0.78 0.09 0.97 1.71 0.03 X. aethiopica Fusarium sp. 1 to 4 - - - - - - 5 0.04 0.01 0.03 0.38 - - 6 1.72 0.30 0.02 0.01 0.63 1.02 7 1.81 0.44 0.07 0.03 0.51 1.02 Legend [C] = concentration in mg/mL. Values are colony diameter in mm. (+) = Full colony; (−) = No colony. NB below (last page) find Table 6 Inhibitory effects of aqueous extracts from both plants The aqueous extracts exhibited an insignificant inhibitory effect on all strains examined, particularly during the initial 3 to 4 days of incubation (Table 6 ). In the case of Aspergillus niger , Cymbopogon citratus exhibited minimal mycelial growth during the first two days, but underwent accelerated development from the third to the seventh day across all concentrations (0.15 to 2 mg/mL). The aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica demonstrated significant growth from the first three days, followed by uninhibited growth from the fourth to the seventh day. In the case of Mucor sp. , the aqueous extract of Cymbopon citratus and the aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica exhibited no significant inhibitory effect on this genus, with growth observed from the first to the last day. In the case of Fusarium sp. , the aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica and the aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus demonstrate no inhibitory effects, with high mycelial development observed from the first day. Inhibitory effects of ethanolic extracts from both plants Ethanolic extracts exhibit considerable inhibitory potential, particularly at elevated concentrations (Table 6 ). In the case of A. niger , ethanol extracts of Cymbopogon citratus have been observed to result in a complete cessation of growth inhibition from the first to the fourth day at all concentrations. Although there is a resumption of partial growth resumes from the fifth to the seventh day, inhibition is maintained at low concentrations. In the case of Mucor sp. , the ethanol extract of Cymbopogon citratus demonstrated complete inhibition on the first four days. Growth resumed from the fifth to the seventh day at low concentrations (0.15, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL), but inhibition was maintained at high concentrations (0.75, 1 and 2 mg/mL). In the case of Fusarium sp. , for the ethanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus exhibited significant inhibition from the first to the fifth day. Mycelial growth was found to be weak on the sixth and seventh days at low concentrations (0.15 and 0.25 mg/mL), but inhibition was complete at higher concentrations. The effect of the ethanolic extract of Xylopia aethiopica on A. niger shows total inhibition of mycelial development from the first to the fourth day. Growth is found to be completely inhibited at high concentrations (1 and 2 mg/mL) from the fifth to the seventh day. In the case of Mucor sp. , Xylopia aethiopica , the ethanolic extract demonstrated complete inhibition on the first two days. Inhibition is sustained at elevated concentrations (0.75, 1 and 2 mg/mL) on the ensuing days. In the case of Fusarium sp. , the inhibition of the ethanolic extract of Xylopia aethiopica exhibits complete inhibition at all concentrations and over the entire duration of the experiment , from the first to the fourth day. It is evident that, with the exception of the highest concentrations, growth resumes partially from the fifth to the seventh day. The findings indicate that the ethanol extracts of both plants demonstrate robust antifungal properties, frequently resulting in lethal or sustainable inhibition, particularly at the highest concentrations. In contrast, the aqueous extracts exhibit only marginal effectiveness. DISCUSSION Phytochemical screening revealed that both plants are abundant in secondary metabolites including phenols, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Quantitatively, Xylopia aethiopica has higher levels of tannins (44.35 ± 0.62 mgEqCat/gMS) and alkaloids (46.17 ± 0.67 mgEqQui/gMS) than Cymbopogon citratus. These classes of compounds, most notably polyphenols (phenols and tannins), are widely recognised for their antifungal properties, which arise from the disruption of the cell membrane of fungi. A thorough analysis of the results unequivocally demonstrates the antifungal potential of the plant species studied, thereby highlighting a general inhibitory effect on the growth of the isolated fungal genera. However, it should be noted that the efficacy of this method is contingent upon the concentration of the extract employed, as well as the type of extraction solvent utilised. The effectiveness of the ethanolic extract on fungal growth varies depending on the concentrations considered. Consequently, optimal inhibition is frequently only attained at elevated concentrations (Syed et al. 2018). Concomitantly, other researchers, including Kaboré et al . (2007), have documented substantial inhibitory effects, including complete mycelial inhibition (100%) with Cymbopogon citratus extract, thereby validating the pronounced potential of this species as a natural antifungal agent. The solvent employed for extraction exerts a substantial influence on the type and quantity of phytochemicals extracted and, consequently on the resulting biological activity. The results obtained in this study are similar to those reported by Tiendrebeogo et al . (2017) on C. citratus , as well as the observations of Chidozie et al . (2024), which tend to indicate that the ethanolic extract is often the most fungitoxic. Xylopia aethiopica , for instance, exhibited the most pronounced fungitoxic activity with the ethanolic extract, exhibiting the capacity to inhibit the majority of the fungal flora examined (Chidozie et al. 2024). This phenomenon is attributed to the capacity of ethanol to extract a broader spectrum of secondary metabolites, including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids. These secondary metabolites are frequently the active ingredients responsible for antifungal activity and are less soluble in water. The low activity observed with aqueous extracts can be attributed to the fact that water is predominantly responsible for the extraction of polar compounds. In the event that the key antifungal compounds are not very polar, it can be hypothesised that the aqueous extract may prove to be less active than hydroalcoholic extracts. A substantial body of research has demonstrated that ethanol extracts exhibit superior antifungal properties in comparison to aqueous extracts (Petrasch et al. 2019). In contrast in to the results reported by Chidozie et al . (2024), the inactivity observed in the present study may also be attributable to experimental factors, such as the extraction method, the specific plant part utilised, and the fungal strain employed. Alternatively, these outcomes could be attributed to geographical and seasonal variations in the plant's metabolites. The antifungal effect of C. citratus on pathogenic species such as Aspergillus niger is well established (Syed et al. 2018), thus supporting the hypothesis that this plant can be used as a natural antifungal agent. C. citratus essential oil has also been shown to be very effective against A. niger , A. flavus and P. digitatum (Bakarnga-Via et al. 2022). The phenomenon of C. citratus's occasional ineffectiveness, particularly in the context of aqueous extracts, can be attributed to the inherent resilience of moulds. It has been established that microorganisms possess the capacity to develop defence mechanisms against natural substances (efflux of compounds, modification of the cell wall). Consequently higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) are required to ensure effective control. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that both plants are rich in phenols, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Extracts of Xylopia aethiopica and Cymbopogon citratus have been identified as promising natural sources for controlling fungal biodeterioration of charmout . The antifungal activity exhibited by these samples was found to be strongly correlated with the extraction solvent employed. The ethanolic extract demonstrated greater efficacy in solubilising secondary metabolites, resulting in complete and prolonged inhibition of moulds (A. niger, Mucor sp., Fusarium sp.) . The essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus , whose activity is corroborated by its lipophilic nature, appears to be the most relevant agent for biopreservation. The results of the study indicate the necessity of employing concentrated, lipophilic matrices to achieve a sustained fungicidal action capable of controlling mycelial growth on charmout. Declarations Author Contribution A.B et C ont écrit le texte, D.E et FGHI ont préparé les tableaux et les figures. Tous les auteurs ont écrit le texte du manuscrit References A. Tiendrebeogo, I. Ouedraogo, S. Bonzi and A.I. Kassankogno Study of the antifungal activity of extracts of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stap, Eclipta alba L., Lippia multiflora M. and Agave sisalana P. Int. J. Biol. Chem. Sci. 11(3): 1202-1211, June 2017. Abney K. Pendey, Mahesh K. Samota, Qbhishek Kumar, Ana Sanches Silva, Nawal K. Dubey. ( 2023) Fungal mycotoxins in food: Current status and future prospects. Front. Sustain. Food Syst., Sec. 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Antifungal activity of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf (Poaceae) essential oil: Case of Moulds Isolated from Smoked and Dried Fish in the Markets of N'Djamena. HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASE. 23, 12 (Dec. 2022). DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/hsd.v23i12.4080. Chidozie Azubuike A. , Chibuzo-Ogelle C.P., Achukbu Adaeze N., Ogbuozobe Okwudili Gabriel and Nwakuche Adaugo, Ozioma . Control of Yam Spoilage Fungi Using Xylopia aethiopica and Monodora myristica Seed Extracts. Asian J. Plant Pathol., 18 (1): 59-66, 2024. CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute), 2002, Reference method for broth dilution antifungal susceptibility testing of conidium-forming filamentous fungi. Wayne (Approved Standard M38-A) COMPAORE H, GUENNE S, DIANDE T, PARE A, SAMA H, BAMBARA A, RATONGUE H, TRAORE L, SAWADOGO-LINGANI H, HILOU A, KIENDREBEOGO M. 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Phytochemical Methods: A Guide to Modern Technique of Plant Analysis. Ed. Chapman and Hall, London, 107 150. Kaboré B, Koita E, Ouedraogo I, NEBIE R. 2007 . "Efficacy of local plant extracts in seed treatment against mycology." Technique, 1(1): 49-57 . Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz, A.; Esteban, J.; Jabłonska-Trypuc , A. Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anticancer Activity of Plant Materials Derived from Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Species. Pharmaceuticals 2024 , 17 , 705. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060705. Koffi, A. J, Bla, K. B., Yapi, H. F., Bidie, A. P., & Djaman, A. J. (2015). Phytochemical Screening of Some Medicinal Plants in Côte D’ivoire and Evaluation of their Extraction Efficiency. International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research, 7(3), 563–569. Maloba MJ, Mbayo KM, Monga MM, Dikala OF, Kanda KJ, Muamba ML, Ngoy KE, Lumbu SJ, 2025. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the treatment of human fungal infections in Lubumbashi and its surroundings (DR Congo) . J . Appl. Biosci. Vol: 206: 21838–21851. Okigbo RN and Ramesh P, 2008. Effects of plants and medicinal plant combinations as anti-infectives. Afr. J. Pharma. 2(7): 130. Ouédraogo B, Yoda J, Kini BF, Koala M, Yaro A, Bonzi-Coulibaly Y. 2019. Phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant study of six plants used for the treatment of hypertension in traditional medicine. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 8 (4 ): 1665-1678. DOI: 10.20959/wjpps20194-13559. Petrasch S., Knapp S.J., Kan J., Blanco-Ulate B. Grey (2019) Mould strawberry, a devastating disease caused by the ubiquitous necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinera. Molecular Plant Pathology. 20:877-892. Ahon, G. M., Ackah, J. A. A. B., Golly, K. J., Kra, A. Saggar, S.; Mir, P.A.; Kumar, N.; Chawla, A.; Uppal, J.; Kaur, A. Traditional and Herbal Medicines: Opportunities and Challenges. Pharmacogn. Res. 2022, 14, 107–114. Senhaji, O., Faid, M., Elyachioui, M., & Dehhaoui, M. (2005) . Study of the antifungal activity of various cinnamon extracts. Journal of Medical Mycology , 15 (4), 220–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mycmed.2005.07.002. Skandamis P.N., Nychas G.J.E, (2001) , Effect of oregano essential oil on microbiological and physico-chemical attributes of minced meat stored in air and modified atmospheres. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 91(6), 1011-1022p Syed Nyamath and Karthikeyan B. (2018) . In vitro antifungal activity of lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus ) leaf extracts. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry , 7 (3), 1163-1166. Wagner, H. (1983). Drug analysis, thin-layer chromatographic analysis of medicinal drugs. Springer Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York, 522 p. World Health Organisation . WHO Guidelines for Assessing Quality of Herbal Medicines with Reference to Contaminants and Residues. 5 June 2007. Available online: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241594448 (accessed on 15 November 2023). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 15 Jan, 2026 Reviews received at journal 08 Jan, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 01 Jan, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 29 Dec, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 03 Dec, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 03 Dec, 2025 First submitted to journal 24 Nov, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":504789,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eStudy area\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8192645/v1/b8a55426cefc0de89cc98587.png"},{"id":99286251,"identity":"f2b12cf6-480f-460e-93dc-70bdd71f8161","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-31 09:24:55","extension":"jpeg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":629893,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e(a) Leaves of \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e and (b) Fruits of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8192645/v1/b090ec56842c2e2da971db3e.jpeg"},{"id":99286246,"identity":"2ac67908-2a06-46c4-bede-3f68dfbf0dae","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-31 09:24:54","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":47771,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eCalibration curves for secondary metabolites of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica \u003c/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8192645/v1/f609d06d7a3ead7aba63efd4.png"},{"id":99286240,"identity":"f51f9dc8-2b91-4216-9aa3-3f0a75d0d01c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-31 09:24:53","extension":"jpeg","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":449869,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eAntifungal activity of crude extracts of \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage4.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8192645/v1/b5f9bd6d71a7374cc961e2fc.jpeg"},{"id":99286230,"identity":"9b75308f-b37e-424b-8c46-b80d8cff4aae","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-31 09:24:52","extension":"jpeg","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":454079,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eAntifungal activity of crude extracts of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage5.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8192645/v1/c9cd41110d37375bea028435.jpeg"},{"id":99286296,"identity":"1a5e139e-4231-44a9-88ca-8b054d06e4e3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-31 09:25:03","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":4051211,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8192645/v1/761bcf29-7c63-4b01-967e-019f6ce0bfdb.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003ePhytochemical potentiality and antifungal activity of extracts from \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica \u003c/em\u003e: a biopreservation strategy for charmout against fungal strains in N'Djamena, Chad\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe utilisation of medicinal plants is an age-old practice that persists in the global healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), herbal preparations constitute a fundamental component of primary healthcare for up to 80% of the global population (WHO, 2007). The significance of natural resources is increasing not only in traditional medicine, but also in modern medicine, where almost 74% of plant-based medicines have uses that overlap with their traditional applications (Saggar et al. 2022; Al-worafi et al.2022). In the face of emergence of antimicrobial resistance and persistent challenges in the treatment of various diseases, the search for new bioactive molecules particularly antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal compounds has become a priority (Kieltyka-Dadasiewicz et al. 2024). These phytochemical compounds, obtained through traditional or modern processes (e.g. maceration, decoction, extraction, etc.), offer significant therapeutic potential against a wide range of human and animal diseases (Agaie et al. 2007; Da et al. 2015; Ou\u0026eacute;draogo et al. 2019; Ou\u0026eacute;draogo et al. 2021). In numerous developing countries, opportunistic fungal diseases and fungal contamination of foodstuffs constitute a substantial public health problem (Okigbo et al. 2008). It is evident that the preservation of foodstuffs represents a significant challenge. \u003cem\u003eCharmout\u003c/em\u003e (smoked and dried meat), a widely consumed foodstuff in Chad, is particularly vulnerable to spoilage by fungal flora. This contamination not only compromises the quality and shelf life of the product, but also exposes consumers to the risk of mycotoxins. (Maloba et al. 2025). In this context, the use of natural substances is particularly appropriate.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe present study evaluated the phytochemical potential and activity of extracts of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e for the conservation and preservation of \u003cem\u003echarmout\u003c/em\u003e quality.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"MATERIAL AND METHODS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant material\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant material utilised in this study encompassed fresh leaves of \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003ea) harvested on 22 October 2024 in the Sabangali district and fruits of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003eb) procured at the central market in N'Djamena (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) on 25 October 2024.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe samples were dispatched to the Food Science and Nutrition Research Laboratory (LaRSAN). Subsequent to the process of transportation, the material underwent a drying procedure at ambient temperature, in conditions that were devoid of both light and dust. The drying time for \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e leaves was three to four days.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe samples were then subjected to grinding using a mechanical grinder, with approximately 1 kg of powder being obtained from each sample. This powder was subsequently packaged in plastic bags and stored in a manner that ensured it was protected from light and moisture pending extraction.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFungal material\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fungal material utilised in this study comprises moulds previously isolated from samples of \u003cem\u003echarmout\u003c/em\u003e collected from diverse markets in N'Djamena. The aforementioned samples were identified as Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp. and Fusarium sp., which are considered to be the primary agents of contamination and biodeterioration of the foodstuff in question. These organisms are frequently implicated in the production of mycotoxins (Pandey et al. 2023).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fungal strains were maintained and cultured on Sabouraud medium, with the addition of chloramphenicol to inhibit bacterial growth and ensure the purity of the cultures.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePhytochemical study\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA preliminary phytochemical study of the extract powder was conducted using conventional analytical chemistry methods with the objective of determining the presence of major classes of phenolic and nitrogenous compounds, including alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and flavonoids.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Heading\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkaloid test (Wagner's reagent)\u003c/strong\u003e:\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe add a few drops of Dragendorff's reagent to a 2-mL extract is required to facilitate the desired reaction. The presence of an orange colour or precipitate is indicative of the presence of alkaloids. In the event of a positive test result, the presence of polyphenols must be confirmed using Nessler's reagent. Subsequently, two to three drops of Nessler's reagent should be addited to 2 mL of extract. The presence of a yellowish precipitate is indicative to the presence of alkaloids (Harbone, 1973; Wagner, 1983).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSaponin test (foaming test)\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe quantity of plant powder required for this experiment is 1 g. This should be placed in a 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask. The next step is to added 100 mL of distilled water. The mixture should be heated gently. The substance should then be filtered, cooled and made up to 100 mL with distilled water. The filtrate (10 mL) should then be transferred into a test tube and vigorously shaken for 15 seconds. The tube should be placed in an upright position for a period of 15 minutes. Should the foam persist beyond this designated period, it can be deduced that the plant drug contains saponins (Wagner, 1983).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTannin test:\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quantity of 5 g of the powder is to be placed in 100 mL of boiling water in an Erlenmeyer flask. Following a 15-minute infusion, the solution should be filtered and made up to 100 mL with distilled water. Five (5) mL of the 5% infusion is placed into a test tube, followed by the addition of 1 millilitre of a 1% aqueous solution of FeCl\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e. In the presence of gallic tannins, a greenish or blue-black colouration is observed to develop. The presence of catechin tannins is revealed through the use of Stiasny's reagent, as evidenced by research conducted by Edeoga et al.(2005) and Koffi et al.(2015).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Heading\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlycoside test (Benedict's reagent)\u003c/strong\u003e:\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quantity of 0.5 g of the powder was mixed with 10 mL of boiling distilled water for the purpose of extraction. Glycoside hydrolysis was performed on 2 mL of the filtrate by the addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid, followed by the subsequent alkalisation with ammonia. Five drops of the hydrolysed solution were then boiled with 2 mL of Benedict's reagent. The formation of a reddish-brown precipitate was indicative of the presence of glycosides.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavonoid test\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a test tube, 2 mL of hydrochloric alcohol (a mixture of 95% ethanol, distilled water and concentrated hydrochloric acid, equivalent to the volume of the mixture) was added to 1 mL of n-amyl alcohol, along with a few magnesium shavings, to which 2 mL of infusate was added. The presence of a pink-orange (flavones) or pink-purple (flavanones) or red (flavonones, flavanonols) hue in the isoamyl alcohol superiores layer is indicative of the presence of a free flavonoid (genin). The presence of flavone glycosides results in a reduction of colour intensity (Wagner, 1983).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuantitative study\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites in \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e is based on the use of spectrophotometric methods, which require the establishment of calibration curves (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) to determine the concentration of the compounds of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEvaluation of the antifungal bioactivity of extracts\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePreparation of total extracts\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pulverised plant samples were then subjected to extraction. For each plant organ (\u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e), two types of crude extracts were prepared: an aqueous extract and an ethanolic extract.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePreparation of aqueous extracts\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 50 g sample of plant powder was macerated in 500 mL of distilled water for 48 hours at room temperature, with constant agitation using a magnetic stirrer. Following the maceration process, the extract solution was subjected to a dual filtration procedure on cotton (utilising a funnel) with the objective of removing plant debris. The filtrate obtained was then collected in a ceramic dish and placed in an oven at 50\u0026deg;C for a period of 72 hours, in order to facilitate complete drying. Subsequent to the desiccation of the extract, the residual aqueous solution was meticulously removed, weighed and transferred to an airtight container. This procedure enabled the calculation of the extraction yield (Compaore et al. 2021).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePreparation of ethanol extracts\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe extraction of Ethanolic extraction was conducted through the process of maceration, involving the immersion of 50 g of plant materiel in 500 mL of ethanol solution at ambient temperature for a duration of 24 hours, with continuous mechanical agitation. Following filtration, the filtrate was subjected to complete evaporation at 50\u0026deg;C using an oven in order to obtain the crude extract (Compaor\u0026eacute; et al. 2021).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetermination of extraction yield\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe extraction yield (R) was determined for each type of extract (aqueous and ethanolic) using the following formula :\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Equa\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"FileID_Equa\" class=\"mathdisplay\"\u003e$$\\:\\varvec{R}\\:\\left(\\varvec{\\%}\\right)=\\frac{\\varvec{M}\\varvec{a}\\varvec{s}\\varvec{s}\\:\\varvec{o}\\varvec{f}\\:\\varvec{e}\\varvec{x}\\varvec{t}\\varvec{r}\\varvec{a}\\varvec{c}\\varvec{t}}{\\varvec{M}\\varvec{a}\\varvec{s}\\varvec{s}\\:\\varvec{o}\\varvec{f}\\:\\varvec{v}\\varvec{e}\\varvec{g}\\varvec{e}\\varvec{t}\\varvec{a}\\varvec{b}\\varvec{l}\\varvec{e}\\:\\varvec{p}\\varvec{o}\\varvec{w}\\varvec{d}\\varvec{e}\\varvec{r}}\\varvec{X}100$$\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIn vitro evaluation of antifungal activity\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe antifungal activity of the crude extracts and essential oil was determined \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c/em\u003e by the agar incorporation method according to Senhaji \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2005), by measuring the inhibition of mycelial growth of fungal strains isolated from \u003cem\u003echarmout\u003c/em\u003e. The experimental tests were conducted using crude extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) from \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e leaves and \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e seeds, in addition to essential oil extracted from \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e leaves.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis evaluation enabled the determination of the primary parameters of antifungal activity, including the diameters of the inhibition zones, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) (Skandamis and Nychas, 2001). The A method was utilised to determine this. The immersion of discs in oil B was conducted in a Petri dish containing agar, with an essential oil disc positioned centrally. The experimental part comprised the following materials materials and methods : micro-dilution in liquid medium. The essential oil is initially prepared by means of emulsion in an ethanol solvent at a concentration of 1 mg/\u0026micro;l, with a view to dispersing the compounds and improve enhancing their contact with the germs to be tested. Subsequent dilutions of the solution obtained are then carried out by geometric progression to obtain the following dilutions. According to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, 2008), the following values should be used : 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64 and 1/128.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePreparation of extract solutions\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe essential oil (EO) of \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e was solubilised in ethanol at a ratio of 1:9 (v/v).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStock solutions of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. \u003cem\u003ecitratus\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eX. aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e at a concentration of 20 mg/mL were prepared under aseptic conditions in a laminar flow hood.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA series of dilutions of each stock solution was carried out in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) culture medium, with the addition of chloramphenicol as a preservative. The following final concentrations were obtained in the agar for testing : 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, and 2 mg/mL (Bakarnga-VIA et al. 2022).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePreparation of Petri dishes\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prepared media, containing the different concentrations of essential oils, were poured into sterile Petri dishes (90 mm in diameter) at a rate of 20 mL/dish and left under the fume hood until solidification. Dishes devoid of any extract were utilised as growth controls.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eInoculation and monitoring of fungal growth\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach Petri dish was inoculated in the centre with a 6 mm diameter mycelial disc (explant) taken from a young culture (3 to 4 days old) using a sterile cookie cutter. The boxes were hermetically sealed and then placed into an inverted position within an incubator set to a temperature of 37\u0026deg;C. Mycelial growth was monitored on a daily basis over a period of seven days. Growth was quantified by measuring two perpendicular diameters (D1 and D2) marked on the reverse of each Petri dish (Akakpo et al. 2023).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe diameter of daily mycelial growth (D) was calculated by subtracting the diameter of the explant (DE) from the average of the two measured diameters :\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Equb\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"FileID_Equb\" class=\"mathdisplay\"\u003e$$\\:\\mathbf{D}=\\frac{\\varvec{D}1+\\varvec{D}2}{2}-\\varvec{D}\\varvec{E}$$\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe antifungal activity of the essential oil was evaluated by the percentage of inhibition (% I), calculated in relation to the average diameter of fungal growth in the control box (Dt), according to the following formula :\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Equc\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"FileID_Equc\" class=\"mathdisplay\"\u003e$$\\:\\mathbf{\\%}\\:\\mathbf{I}=\\frac{\\varvec{D}\\varvec{t}-\\varvec{D}\\varvec{e}}{2}\\:100$$\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere \"\u003cstrong\u003eDe\u003c/strong\u003e\" represents the average diameter of fungal growth in the box containing the extract.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetermination of Minimum Inhibitory and Fungicidal Concentrations\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing a period incubation spanning seven days, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined as the lowest extract concentration that resulted in no observable macroscopic mycelial growth in the Petri dishes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and the nature of the inhibition were determined by subculture. Explantations that exhibited no visible growth after seven days of incubation at the MIC and higher concentrations were transferred to new Petri dishes containing sterile culture medium without extract supplementation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing a subsequent incubation period :\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShould mycelial growth be observed once more, the extract will be designated as fungistatic, a classification that denotes its capacity to impede fungal growth without exerting an lethal effect.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the absence of observed growth, the extract is designated as fungicidal, that is to say, it is lethal to the fungus. The lowest of these concentrations is thus defined as the FIC.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fungicidal nature of the extract was quantified by the MIC/CMF ratio. A ratio equal to 1 or 2 indicates a fungicidal effect, while a ratio greater than 2 indicates a fungistatic effect (CLSI, 2002).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eExtraction yields\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe extraction yields for both plants (\u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e) were calculated using two solvents (water and ethanol), and the results are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExtraction yield\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlants\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePart used\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAqueous extract\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEthanolic extract\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFruit\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeaf\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe extraction yield ranged from 8.2 to 30%. The lowest yields were obtained with the aqueous extract for both species. In contrast, the ethanolic extract yielded the highest yields for \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e (30%) and \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e (19%).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePhytochemical screening results\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eQualitative phytochemistry\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results of the comparative phytochemical analysis of Guinea fruit (\u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e) and lemongrass leaves (\u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e) are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, with the emphasis on the richness and relative abundance of four major classes of chemical compounds in each plant sample.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChemical characterisation results \u003cem\u003efor Cymbopogon citratus and Xylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChemical groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlkaloids\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTannins\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSaponins\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhenols\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+++\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKey\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e(-)\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003e=\u0026thinsp;Totally absent ;\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e(+)\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003e=\u0026thinsp;Slightly present ;\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e(++)\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003e=\u0026thinsp;Moderately abundant ;\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e(+++)\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003e=\u0026thinsp;Very abundant.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eQuantitative phytochemistry\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs illustrated in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, the secondary metabolism curves for \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus are presented\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e below shows the quantified contents of the main chemical groups in the crude extract of the two plants, expressed in milligrams of standard equivalent per gram of dry matter (mg/gDM), with their margins of error.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eResults of quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites of \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus and Xylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChemical groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalibration unit\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhenols\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003emgEqAG/gMS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTannins\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.41\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003emgEqCat/gDM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSaponins\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63.29\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003emgEqGal/gDM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlkaloids\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003emgEqQui/gDM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe following abbreviations are employed in this text\u003c/b\u003e: \u003cb\u003emgEqAG/gDM\u003c/b\u003e: \u003cem\u003emilligram of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry matter;\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003emgEqCat/gDM\u003c/b\u003e: \u003cem\u003emilligram of catechin equivalent per gram of dry matter;\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003emgEqGal/gDM\u003c/b\u003e: \u003cem\u003emilligram of galactose equivalent per gram of dry matter;\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003emgEqQui/gDM\u003c/b\u003e: \u003cem\u003emilligrams of quinine equivalent per gram of dry matter\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eEvaluation of the antifungal activity of crude extracts\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec28\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSummary of inhibitory activity at 72 hours\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMacroscopic observations made after 72 hours of incubation revealed strong inhibition of fungal growth in the boxes containing the extracts in comparison to the control (Sabouraud medium alone). The results of this study are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eResults of exposure to the crude extract after 72 hours of incubation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlant species\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePU\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24H\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48H\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72 hours\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMacroscopic characteristics of colonies (size, appearance, colour, etc.)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmall, round colonies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmall, granular, beige colonies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmall, flat, yellow colonies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedium, granular, yellowish colonies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"ItalicUnderline\" class=\"ItalicUnderline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eKey\u003c/span\u003e: \u003cb\u003ePU\u003c/b\u003e: \u003cem\u003ePart used;\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003eEE\u003c/b\u003e: \u003cem\u003eEthanolic extract;\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003eEA\u003c/b\u003e: \u003cem\u003eAqueous extract\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe antifungal activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts is demonstrated in Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, respectively, at varying concentrations and after an incubation period of 7 days\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec29\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eQualitative evaluation of the efficacy of the extracts on fungal strains\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs illustrated in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, the evaluation of antifungal activity on various fungal genera was conducted after 72 hours peroid. The findings of this evaluation demonstrate that the ethanol extracts exhibited superior inhibitory activity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eResults of the evaluation of the antifungal activity of extracts on fungal genera\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrains\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlants\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAqueous extract\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEthanol extract\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAspergillus niger\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLemongrass\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMucor\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLemongrass\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFusarium\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLemongrass\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"ItalicUnderline\" class=\"ItalicUnderline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003ekey\u003c/span\u003e: \u003cb\u003e-\u003c/b\u003e \u003cem\u003e= No colony;\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e+\u003c/b\u003e \u003cem\u003e= Colony present\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis observation indicates that the ethanol extracts of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e demonstrate a degree of activity, in contrast to the aqueous extracts, which exhibit reduced activity at the concentrations examined.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEvaluation of the inhibitory effects of the extracts\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaily monitoring of mycelial growth over on seven days at a temperature of 27\u0026deg;C permitted the inhibitory effect of the various concentrations of extracts to be evaluated (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResults of the inhibitory effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of \u003cem\u003eC. citratus\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eX. aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e on the three fungal strains\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtracts\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMicroorganisms\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"2\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDay\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"6\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConcentrations\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"20\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAqueous\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eC. citratus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA. Niger\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.10\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.09\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.02\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.91\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.98\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.53\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 to 7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eX. aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA. Niger\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.18\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.93\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.71\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.13\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.96\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.09\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 to 7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eC. citratus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMucor sp.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.98\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.93\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.02\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.02\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.96\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.09\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.99\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.79\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5 to 7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eX. aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMucor sp.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.96\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.93\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.62\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.73\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 to 7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eC. citratus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFusarium sp.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 to 5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.48\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eX. aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFusarium sp.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.62\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.07\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.24\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.76\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.22\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.27\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.09\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 to 7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e+\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"25\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthanolic\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eC. citratus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA. Niger\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 to 4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.84\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.20\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.05\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.69\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.46\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.99\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eC. citratus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMucor sp.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 to 4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.38\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.08\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.015\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.03\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.63\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.035\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.96\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.024\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eC. citratus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFusarium sp.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 to 5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.48\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eX. aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA. Niger\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 to 5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.65\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.71\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.22\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.88\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.03\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eX. aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMucor sp.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 and 2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.12\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.53\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.18\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.43\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.24\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.09\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.21\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.60\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.54\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.63\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.81\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.78\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.09\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.97\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.71\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eX. aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFusarium sp.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 to 4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.38\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.72\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.63\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.02\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.81\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.44\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.51\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.02\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLegend\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e[C]\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;concentration in mg/mL. Values are colony diameter in mm. (+)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Full colony; (\u0026minus;)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;No colony.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNB\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003ebelow (last page) find Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec31\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eInhibitory effects of aqueous extracts from both plants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe aqueous extracts exhibited an insignificant inhibitory effect on all strains examined, particularly during the initial 3 to 4 days of incubation (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the case of \u003cem\u003eAspergillus niger\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus exhibited minimal\u003c/em\u003e mycelial growth during the first two days, but underwent accelerated development from the third to the seventh day across all concentrations (0.15 to 2 mg/mL).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe aqueous extract of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e demonstrated significant growth from the first three days, followed by uninhibited growth from the fourth to the seventh day.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the case of \u003cem\u003eMucor sp.\u003c/em\u003e, the aqueous extract of \u003cem\u003eCymbopon citratus\u003c/em\u003e and the aqueous extract of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e exhibited no significant inhibitory effect on this genus, with growth observed from the first to the last day.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the case of \u003cem\u003eFusarium sp.\u003c/em\u003e, the aqueous extract of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e and the aqueous extract of \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e demonstrate no inhibitory effects, with high mycelial development observed from the first day.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec32\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eInhibitory effects of ethanolic extracts from both plants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEthanolic extracts exhibit considerable inhibitory potential, particularly at elevated concentrations (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the case of \u003cem\u003eA. niger\u003c/em\u003e, ethanol extracts of \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e have been observed to result in a complete cessation of growth inhibition from the first to the fourth day at all concentrations. Although there is a resumption of partial growth resumes from the fifth to the seventh day, inhibition is maintained at low concentrations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the case of \u003cem\u003eMucor sp.\u003c/em\u003e, the ethanol extract of \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e demonstrated complete inhibition on the first four days. Growth resumed from the fifth to the seventh day at low concentrations (0.15, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL), but inhibition was maintained at high concentrations (0.75, 1 and 2 mg/mL).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the case of \u003cem\u003eFusarium sp.\u003c/em\u003e, for the ethanolic extract of \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e exhibited significant inhibition from the first to the fifth day. Mycelial growth was found to be weak on the sixth and seventh days at low concentrations (0.15 and 0.25 mg/mL), but inhibition was complete at higher concentrations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe effect of the ethanolic extract of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e on \u003cem\u003eA. niger\u003c/em\u003e shows total inhibition of mycelial development from the first to the fourth day. Growth is found to be completely inhibited at high concentrations (1 and 2 mg/mL) from the fifth to the seventh day.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the case of \u003cem\u003eMucor sp.\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e, the ethanolic extract demonstrated complete inhibition on the first two days. Inhibition is sustained at elevated concentrations (0.75, 1 and 2 mg/mL) on the ensuing days.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the case of \u003cem\u003eFusarium sp.\u003c/em\u003e, the inhibition of the ethanolic extract of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica exhibits complete inhibition at all concentrations and over the entire duration of the experiment\u003c/em\u003e, from the first to the fourth day. It is evident that, with the exception of the highest concentrations, growth resumes partially from the fifth to the seventh day.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings indicate that the ethanol extracts of both plants demonstrate robust antifungal properties, frequently resulting in lethal or sustainable inhibition, particularly at the highest concentrations. In contrast, the aqueous extracts exhibit only marginal effectiveness.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003ePhytochemical screening revealed that both plants are abundant in secondary metabolites including phenols, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Quantitatively, \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e has higher levels of tannins (44.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.62 mgEqCat/gMS) and alkaloids (46.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.67 mgEqQui/gMS) than \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus.\u003c/em\u003e These classes of compounds, most notably polyphenols (phenols and tannins), are widely recognised for their antifungal properties, which arise from the disruption of the cell membrane of fungi.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA thorough analysis of the results unequivocally demonstrates the antifungal potential of the plant species studied, thereby highlighting a general inhibitory effect on the growth of the isolated fungal genera. However, it should be noted that the efficacy of this method is contingent upon the concentration of the extract employed, as well as the type of extraction solvent utilised.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe effectiveness of the ethanolic extract on fungal growth varies depending on the concentrations considered. Consequently, optimal inhibition is frequently only attained at elevated concentrations (Syed \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e 2018).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConcomitantly, other researchers, including Kabor\u0026eacute; \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2007), have documented substantial inhibitory effects, including complete mycelial inhibition (100%) with \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e extract, thereby validating the pronounced potential of this species as a natural antifungal agent.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe solvent employed for extraction exerts a substantial influence on the type and quantity of phytochemicals extracted and, consequently on the resulting biological activity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results obtained in this study are similar to those reported by Tiendrebeogo \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2017) on \u003cem\u003eC. citratus\u003c/em\u003e, as well as the observations of Chidozie \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2024), which tend to indicate that the ethanolic extract is often the most fungitoxic.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e, for instance, exhibited the most pronounced fungitoxic activity with the ethanolic extract, exhibiting the capacity to inhibit the majority of the fungal flora examined (Chidozie \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e2024).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis phenomenon is attributed to the capacity of ethanol to extract a broader spectrum of secondary metabolites, including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids. These secondary metabolites are frequently the active ingredients responsible for antifungal activity and are less soluble in water.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe low activity observed with aqueous extracts can be attributed to the fact that water is predominantly responsible for the extraction of polar compounds. In the event that the key antifungal compounds are not very polar, it can be hypothesised that the aqueous extract may prove to be less active than hydroalcoholic extracts. A substantial body of research has demonstrated that ethanol extracts exhibit superior antifungal properties in comparison to aqueous extracts (Petrasch \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e 2019).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn contrast in to the results reported by Chidozie \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2024), the inactivity observed in the present study may also be attributable to experimental factors, such as the extraction method, the specific plant part utilised, and the fungal strain employed. Alternatively, these outcomes could be attributed to geographical and seasonal variations in the plant's metabolites.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe antifungal effect of \u003cem\u003eC. citratus\u003c/em\u003e on pathogenic species such as \u003cem\u003eAspergillus niger\u003c/em\u003e is well established (Syed \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e 2018), thus supporting the hypothesis that this plant can be used as a natural antifungal agent. C. \u003cem\u003ecitratus\u003c/em\u003e essential oil has also been shown to be very effective against A. \u003cem\u003eniger\u003c/em\u003e, A. \u003cem\u003eflavus\u003c/em\u003e and P. \u003cem\u003edigitatum\u003c/em\u003e (Bakarnga-Via \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e 2022).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe phenomenon of C. citratus's occasional ineffectiveness, particularly in the context of aqueous extracts, can be attributed to the inherent resilience of moulds. It has been established that microorganisms possess the capacity to develop defence mechanisms against natural substances (efflux of compounds, modification of the cell wall). Consequently higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) are required to ensure effective control.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe study demonstrated that both plants are rich in phenols, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Extracts of \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e have been identified as promising natural sources for controlling fungal biodeterioration of \u003cem\u003echarmout\u003c/em\u003e. The antifungal activity exhibited by these samples was found to be strongly correlated with the extraction solvent employed. The ethanolic extract demonstrated greater efficacy in solubilising secondary metabolites, resulting in complete and prolonged inhibition of moulds (A. \u003cem\u003eniger, Mucor sp., Fusarium sp.)\u003c/em\u003e. The essential oil of \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e, whose activity is corroborated by its lipophilic nature, appears to be the most relevant agent for biopreservation. The results of the study indicate the necessity of employing concentrated, lipophilic matrices to achieve a sustained fungicidal action capable of controlling mycelial growth on \u003cem\u003echarmout.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA.B et C ont \u0026eacute;crit le texte, D.E et FGHI ont pr\u0026eacute;par\u0026eacute; les tableaux et les figures. 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Available online: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241594448 (accessed on 15 November 2023).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"food-safety-and-risk","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Food Safety and Risk](https://www.springer.com/journal/40550)","snPcode":"40550","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/40550/3","title":"Food Safety and Risk","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"BMC/SO AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Biopreservation, antifungal activity, charmout, Cymbopogon citratus, Xylopia aethiopica, Chad","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8192645/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8192645/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe use of medicinal plants is crucial in traditional and modern medicine. In Africa, fungal infections, particularly those caused by foodstuffs such as \u003cem\u003echarmout\u003c/em\u003e (dried meat) in Chad, are a significant public health problem. The present study evaluated the phytochemical and antifungal potential of extracts from \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e leaves, \u003cem\u003eXylopia aethiopica\u003c/em\u003e fruit, and essential oil \u003cem\u003efrom Cymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e against the microflora that causes \u003cem\u003echarmout\u003c/em\u003e spoilage (\u003cem\u003eAspergillus niger, Mucor sp.\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eFusarium sp.\u003c/em\u003e). Phytochemical analysis revealed that both plants are rich in secondary metabolites. The levels of phenol in X. aethiopica and C. citratus were found to be 72.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.59 mgEqAG/gMS and 74.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.85 mgEqAG/gMS, respectively. The presence of saponins was also detected, with X. aethiopica being particularly rich in these compounds. X. \u003cem\u003eaethiopica\u003c/em\u003e was distinguished by a greater abundance of tannins and alkaloids in comparison the C. \u003cem\u003ecitratus.\u003c/em\u003e The ethanolic extracts of both plants exhibited strong inhibitory activity at concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/mL. The ethanolic extract of \u003cem\u003eCymbopogon citratus\u003c/em\u003e demonstrated a high level of inhibition against \u003cem\u003eMucor sp.\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eFusarium sp.\u003c/em\u003e over a period of seven days at elevated concentrations. In contrast, the aqueous extracts showed negligible activity after three days, highlighting the ineffectiveness of water in extracting the major active compounds. The study corroborates the substantial potential of these plants as effective biopreservatives for the fungicidal protection of \u003cem\u003echarmout\u003c/em\u003e, emphasising the necessity for optimisation of concentrations to ensure sustainable protection.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Phytochemical potentiality and antifungal activity of extracts from Cymbopogon citratus and Xylopia aethiopica : a biopreservation strategy for charmout against fungal strains in N'Djamena, Chad","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-12-31 09:23:44","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8192645/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2026-01-15T17:58:28+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-01-08T14:01:58+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"249682344936203585453853444567396924347","date":"2026-01-01T07:42:56+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-12-29T13:08:51+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-12-03T07:58:21+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-12-03T07:56:40+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Food Safety and Risk","date":"2025-11-24T11:01:44+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"food-safety-and-risk","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Food Safety and Risk](https://www.springer.com/journal/40550)","snPcode":"40550","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/40550/3","title":"Food Safety and Risk","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"BMC/SO AJ","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"ac886cb4-f675-4c6e-b65c-feab84b8fde2","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 31st, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-01-23T10:10:41+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-12-31 09:23:44","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8192645","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8192645","identity":"rs-8192645","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}