Abstract
Purpose: Erigeron floribundus is a reputed medicinal plant used in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa for the treatment of skin disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of this plant against fungi from human origin. Method: Dichloromethane, methanol 80% and aqueous extracts from the leaves with stem were tested for their antifungal activity against 7 strains of dermatophytes (Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, M. langeronii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. soudanense) and one strain of the filamentous fungus, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. The assays were performed using the agar dilution method at serial concentrations ranging from 2 to 0.06 mg/ml. Result: Only the dichloromethane extract exhibited an activity against Microsporum canis and a broad spectrum of good antifungal activity against all the remaining fungi tested. Conclusion: To the best our knowledge, this is the first report of the antifungal activity of Erigeron floribundus against a wide range of dermatophytes, including Microsporum langeronii and Trichophyton soudanense, the most frequent dermatophytes in Côte d'Ivoire. E. floribundus might be potential sources for improved traditional medicines or new antidermatophyte agents for the treatment of dermatomycoses. Keywords: Erigeron floribundus, dermatophytes, antifungal activity, Côte d'Ivoire. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 975-979
Highlights
Dermatophytes are fungi that can cause infections of the skin, hair, and nails due to their ability to utilize keratin
The present study investigates the effects of E. floribundus against fungi from human origin
The antifungal activity of dichloromethane, methanol (80 %) and aqueous extracts obtained from Erigeron floribundus revealed that only the dichloromethane extract showed a good antifungal activity against the dermatophytes and filamentous fungus used (Table 1)
Summary
Dermatophytes are fungi that can cause infections of the skin, hair, and nails due to their ability to utilize keratin. The most common clinical manifestations are beard, glabous skin, scalp, groin, hand, feet, and nails These infections, which constitute the most frequent fungal diseases in human[1], are widespread in tropical countries. In Côte d’Ivoire, the most frequent etiologic agents in school children are Microsporum langeronii and Trichophyton soudanense that infect scalp and hair[5]. (Asteraceae) known as a reputed medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of skin disorders by the rural populace as well as those from the urban areas of Côte d’Ivoire[8]. The present study investigates the effects of E. floribundus against fungi from human origin
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
