Inamdar et al. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci, Vol 6, Issue 5, 148-150 148 Original Article PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN VITRO ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF CAMELLIA SINENSIS PRIYAL INAMDAR* 1 , JELAMVAZIR 1 , SHARAV DESAI 2 , DHARA PATEL 1 , DHANANJAY MESHRAM 1 1 Department of Quality Assurance, Pioneer Pharmacy Degree College, Sayajipura, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. 2 Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Pioneer Pharmacy Degree College, sayajipura, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Email: inamdarpriyal@gmail.com,jvazir@yahoo.com Received: 20 Feb 2014 Revised and Accepted: 18 Mar 2014 ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of Camellia sinensis and to assess the antifungal activities of Camellia sinensis using in vitro antifungal screening techniques. The ability of tea plant extract to inhibit the growth of fungal strains is an indication of its antifungal property that might be used in the management of fungal infections in future. Methods: Extracts of leaves from the tea plant Camellia sinensis contain polyphenolic components with activity against a wide spectrum of microbes. Studies conducted over the last 20 years have shown that the green tea polyphenoliccatechins, in particular (−)-epigallocatechingallate (EGCg) and (−)-epicatechingallate (ECg), can inhibit the growth of a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative fungal species with moderate potency. The leaves were collected from the market and identified by the Pharmacognosy department of our own college. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence flavonoids.The study was carried out on various species of fungi including Candida albicans(MTCC No.183), Candida tropicalis (MTCC No.184),and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC No.170)using cup plate method. The results obtained were compared against standard antibiotic streptomycin. Results: The aqueous extract is effective against saccharomyces cerevisiae and very less against Candida albicansand no effect was found in Candida tropicalis. The alcoholic extract is found effective against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and very less effect was seen against Candida tropicalis. Conclusion: The study illustrates that Camellia sinensis has shown a significant antifungal activity against various species of fungi like saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans and very less effect was seen against Candida tropicalis; both in aqueous as well as methanolic extract. Along with that it is a good source of Flavonoid. Keywords: Green tea, Camellia sinensis Antifungal, Phytochemical screening, Zone of inhibition. INTRODUCTION In the world, phytomedicines have been used in past to treat various ailments long before the introduction of modern medicine. Herbal medicines are still widely used in many parts of the world especially in areas where people do not have contact to modern medicines [1, 2]. In most Asian countries where herbal medicines are still heavily relied upon because of high cost of chemotherapeutic drugs, there is a need for scientific research to estimate the biological activities of medicinal plants. The results obtained from such research may lead to the development and validation of traditionally used medicinally important plants and enable full usage of the properties of these plants [3].Green tea is selected for the study because;tea consumption has its legendary origins in China of more than 4,000 years ago. Green tea has been used as both a beverage and a medicine in most of Asia, to help everything from controlling bleeding and helping heal wounds to regulating body temperature, blood sugar and promoting digestion[4]. The most abundant components in green tea are polyphenols, in particular flavonoids such as the catechins, catechingallates and proanthocyanidins [5]. Tea polyphenols are well-known for their antioxidant properties. Green tea has greater antioxidant potential than oolong and black teas [6-10]. Studies have shown that the strong antioxidant properties of green tea are attributed to catechins of EGCG and EGC[11–14] The three adjacent hydroxyl groups on the B-ring of EGCG, GCG, EGC, and GC are more effective in scavenging free radicals than the two adjacent OH groups of ECG, CG, and EC[15]. Black tea is also known to have potent antioxidant properties which are manifested by its ability to scavenge free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and chelate metal ions[16, 17]. Although green tea has higher total phenolic content (TPC), free radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing power, its ferrous ion-chelating ability is poorer than black tea[9, 10]. Tea polyphenols are also known for their antifungal activity. In general, antifungal activity decreases when the extent of tea fermentation is increased, implying stronger activity in green tea than black tea[18, 19]. MATERIALS AND METHOD Collection of plant materials The experiment was conducted in the year 2013 in the college. Leaves of Camellia Sinensis were collected from the Herbal Garden. The species was identified and authenticated at the Herbal department of Pioneer Pharmacy Degree College, Vadodara, Gujarat. It was ensured that the plant was healthy and uninfected. The leaves were washed under running tap water to eliminate dust and other foreign particles and to cleanse the leaves thoroughly and dried for 3 days. Source of Microorganisms The organisms studied Candida albicans(MTCC No.183), Candida tropicalis (MTCC No.184), and saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC No.170). The organisms were obtained from the MTCC, Chandigarh. The Sub culturing was done after interval of 15 days. Preparation of methanolic and aqueous leaf extract Fresh leaves (500gm) of Camellia sinensis were shade dried at room temperature (32 – 35 °C) to constant weight over a period of 3 days. 45 g of the powdered leaves were separately extracted in 500 ml conical flasks with 90% methanol (methanolic extraction) and slightly warm water (aqueous extraction) for overnight. The extracts were separately filtered using sterile Whatman no.1 filter paper. These extracts were used in further process. Storage conditions The extract was stored in a cool condition protected from direct sunlight. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences ISSN- 0975-1491 Vol 6, Issue 5, 2014 Innovare Innovare Innovare Innovare Academic Sciences Academic Sciences Academic Sciences Academic Sciences