ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC OCIMUM SANCTUM EXTRACTS AGAINST FUNGAL PATHOGEN ISOLATED FROM SINUSITIS SUBJECTS

Ocimum sanctum ethanol leaf extract was evaluated for its in vitro antifungal activity for isolates against Allergic fungal rhino sinusitis (AFS) positive subjects. Out of 25 clinical samples collected from different hospitals in Allahabad, seventeen subjects were diagnosed positive for noninvasive rhino sinusitis in the year 2003-2005. The fungal pathogens isolated were identified as Aspergillus niger (64%), Penicillium sp. (44%), Alternaria sp. (64%), Fusarium sp. (36%), Exophiala sp. (40%). Ninety percent of A. niger infections were reported among 30-39 year age group old victims, male being infected the most was reported. Antimycotic activity of the extract was screened using agar well diffusion method with O. sanctum ethanol leaf extract by taking concentration of 500mg/ml DMSO which had maximum zone of inhibition for Fusarium sp. (19.33mm) and minimum for Alternaria sp. (8mm). These results support inhibition of AFS pathogens and thus can be used for treatment of AFS, being economical, with no side effects and no pain.