Extraction was carried out in a mass to volume ratio of 1:20 (g/mL), using freeze dried sieved sclerotial powder. Hot water extraction was carried out at 95 to 100 oC for 2 h, cold water extraction was carried out at 4 oC for 24 h, and methanol extraction was carried out by stirring at room temperature for 24 h. Extraction mixture was then filtered through Whatman grade no. 1 filter paper. Water extracts were freeze dried and re-dissolved in Milli-Q water prior to analysis. Methanol extract was evaporated to dryness at 37 oC and re-dissolved in 10 % dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).