Evaluation of Antidermatophytic Activity of Indian Traditional Herb Eclipta prostata in a Rodent Model of Tinea Pedis

Abstract

IntroductionEclipta prostata, known as False daisy is used in preparation of Indian traditional herbal medicine (Ayurveda). The preparation – Neelibringadhi Thailam, a herbal oil is applied locally to treat many dermatological conditions, particularly, dermatophytosis. The properties of this preparation has not been scientifically ascertained, but finds its place in the ancient Indian textbook of formulations called Sahasrayogam.Aim of the studyTo investigate the antifungal activity of the methanolic extract of Eclipta prostata against the dermatophyte – Trichophyton rubrum. Using an animal model, we compared the antifungal properties of the herbal product with a standard antifungal drug alone and in combination with the standard antifungal drug.Materials and methodsTinea pedis was induced on the hind paws of Wistar rats by inoculating conidial suspension of Trichophyton rubrum. The rats were divided into four groups‐‐based on the treatment they received. The groups were treated for 7 days with one of the following‐cream base (control), 1% clotrimazole cream (standard), 10% methanolic extract of Eclipta prostata, or a combination of clotrimazole cream and the extract. At the end of 7 days, the outcome was evaluated by clinical scoring and fungal culture of tissue samples.ResultsComparing the fungal burden scores, it was found that both the herbal extract and the combination of herbal extract with the standard antifungal were significantly superior to the control group (p < 0.05) and the standard group with antifungal therapy alone (p < 0.05). Comparison of the clinical scores showed that both the herbal extract and the combination of herbal extract with the standard antifungal were significantly superior to the control group (p < 0.05). However there was no statistical significance when compared to the standard antifungal therapy group. The therapeutic benefit offered by the test extract was superior to that offered by the standard antifungal clotrimazole in the given period of treatment (7 days). The study thus revealed that the combination of the test extract and the standard drug could reduce the fungal burden to a greater extent than the standard antifungal used alone in the given period of treatment (7 days).ConclusionThe current study has revealed that the methanolic extract of Eclipta prostata is a potent antifungal drug against dermatophytosis. Isolation of biologically active molecule from the methanolic extract could serve as a valuable new antifungal drug. This assumes significance in this era of emerging resistance to antimicrobial agents.