Phytochemical profile, toxicity, and antifungal efficacy of aqueous and hydroethanolic leaf extracts of Adansonia digitata L. (Bombacaceae) against Candida albicans isolated from Cte dIvoire

Medicinal plants are an important source of bioactive compounds that may help combat opportunistic infections. Adansonia digitata (baobab) is recognized for its antimicrobial properties; however, the efficacy of its aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts has not been thoroughly investigated. This study examines the phytochemical composition, microbiological quality, antifungal activity, and acute toxicity of extracts from the leaves and root bark of A. digitata. Extracts were prepared using aqueous and hydroethanolic maceration, analyzed qualitatively according to AFNOR standards, and tested against Candida albicans using the microdilution method. Acute toxicity was evaluated in Wistar rats following Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 423 guidelines. Hydroethanolic extracts yielded the highest quantities (20 to 21%), while aqueous extracts yielded 16 to 16.5%. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, and terpenes. The aqueous extract exhibited the strongest inhibition of C. albicans (MIC = 250 mg/mL, CMF/MIC = 1), indicating a complete fungicidal effect against this yeast species. No clinical signs of toxicity were observed at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, and the median lethal dose (LD50) of these A. digitata extracts was greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. These findings confirm the phytochemical richness, low toxicity, and antifungal activity of A. digitata extracts against C. albicans, supporting their potential applications in pharmaceutical formulations and functional food products. Key words: Adansonia digitata, antifungal, aqueous extracts, hydroethanolic extracts, Candida albicans, toxicity, secondary metabolites.