ABSTRACT
A phytochemical screening of two millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. Br) varieties of Bahaushe and Dansalka grown in Aliero along with the millets capabilities for antifungal activity was conducted. Extracts were made from grains obtained from the open market using the Sohxlet extraction method. The phytochemical screening was conducted using the standard methods while the fungal inhibition activity was studied using then disc plate method involving the use of saboraud dextrose agar in 90mm petri dishes. Fungal samples were inoculated using the streak method. The millets were found to have high content of phenolics and flavonoids. Bahaushe and Dansalka varieties had 3.13mgGAE/g and 2.97mgGAE/g phenolic compounds respectively, with flavanoids at 347hmax and 329hmax; Saponins 0.04 and 0.04; Alkaloids0.78 and 0.73; Carotenoids 10.2mg/Kg and 10.0mg/Kg; Tannins 0.53 and 0.48 respectively while Fatty acids 0.29 for both. Positive tests were observed for Molisch, Xanthoproteinm, Cysteine, Salkawski reaction, Deoxy sugar, Keller-Kellani, flavonoids 1 and 2, Tannic and Phenolic compounds 1, 2, 3 and 6, and test for sulphate. However, results for Cobalt chloride, iodine, Biuret, Millons, Tannic and phenolic compounds 4 and 5, and Malic acid confirmation were negative. Antioxidant and DPPH scavenging activities were high. Antifungal activity against yeast Cryptococcus laurentii was 13.00 and 14.00 at the highest 400ml/l concentration, a little close to 17.00 of control. The analysis of antifungal activity indicated significant differences (p>0.05) but especially low against Aspergillus niger, Mucor and Rhizopus, and moderate against Fusarium oxysporium. The millets had good phytochemical contents, resulting in high antioxidant activity which had inhibitory effect on some fungi. The consumption of this cereal is recommended as an immune booster
Key words: Keywords: Millets, Phytochemicals, Fungi, Inhibition, Antioxidants
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