*4.1. Antifungal Activity*

The antifungal activity of *M. koenigii* has been reported in various studies. For example, the essential oil of the leaves was reported to possess antifungal activity [18]. The antifungal activity of the leaves of M. koenigii is due to the presence of phytochemical constituents of complex molecular structures and diverse action mechanisms, viz. alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and saponins, which are known for their antimicrobial properties. Different investigations support the traditional use of the plant as an antifungal agent. In vitro antifungal activity may explain the use of curry leaves for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and skin eruptions in folklore medicines [19]. Bioactive compounds of *M. koenigii* appreciably hold the ability of mycelial growth inhibition and thereby promote antifungal activity. The antifungal activity of *M. koenigii* against a wide range of pathogenic

fungi has been studied. *Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus*, *Aspergillus niger*, *Fusarium moniliforme*, *Mucor mucedo*, *Penicillium funiculosum* etc., were isolated from infected saplings and spoiled foods based on alterations of their growth characteristics, mycelial morphology, and spore morphology (Table 3) [27]. The ethanolic extract of *M. koenigii* exhibited notable effects on the hyphal morphology; namely, an increase in branching potential, which resulted in the development of short slender branches of hyphae with swollen tips. Such effects are usual for any antifungal compound. Bioactive compounds like girinimbine, murrayanine, marmesin-1- -O-beta-D'galactopyranoside, mahanine, murrayacine, mukoeic acid, murrayazolinine, girinimbilol, pyrafoline-D, and murrafoline-I are present in stem bark. Girinimbine, murrayanine, and marmesin-1- -O-beta-D'galactopyranoside have notable anti-fungal activity [20,101].
