Abstract
Background: Aspergillus species are common filamentous fungi that primarily affect immunocompromised hosts, causing various respiratory conditions. The rising resistance to antimicrobial agents has spurred the search for novel therapeutic molecules from natural products, such as medicinal plants. Lantana camara is known for its diverse bioactivities, including antimicrobial properties. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Lantana camara leaves have in vitro antimycotic efficacy against clinical isolates of Aspergillus species. Materials and Methods: One hundred clinical sputum specimens were collected from tuberculosis patients at the Public Health Department of Chest and Respiratory Disease Clinic in Wasit Province, Iraq. Pathogenic fungi were identified using direct microscopic inspection (KOH test) and cultural traits on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. L. camara's ethanolic and aqueous extracts' antifungal qualities leaves (at 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/mL concentrations were examined utilising disc diffusion and poisoned food techniques. Results: Out of 62 positive samples, A. fumigatus was the most frequently isolated fungus (45.16%), followed by A. niger (25.80%). Both extracts inhibited the growth of Aspergillus species, with the ethanolic extract demonstrating a significantly greater effect than the aqueous extract. The maximum growth inhibition was observed with the ethanolic leaf extract against A. niger at a concentration of 25 mg/mL (inhibition zone 35.50 mm; 62.46% inhibition), whereas the minimum inhibition was noted with the aqueous extract against A. fumigatus at 6.25 mg/mL (inhibition zone 5.50 mm; 1.15% inhibition). A. niger was the most susceptible species to the extracts. Conclusion: L. camara leaves' ethanolic extract exhibits potent antifungal activity against clinical isolates of Aspergillus species, particularly A. niger. The results of this research recommend that L. camara extracts could be used as a promising source of natural antifungal agents for biocontrol and therapeutic applications.