Evaluation of anti-dermatophytic activity of medicinal plants derived products

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Dermatophytes are a group of closely related fungi which are able to invade the keratinized tissue skin, hair and nail. In this study different medicinal plants like <em>Melaleuca alternifolia, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, Azadirachta indica, Citrus limonum, Curcuma longa, Cocos nucifera</em> were used as antifungal agent against different dermatophyte species.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>A hospital-based study consisting of 320 patients clinically diagnosed having dermatophytic infection who reported to the Dermatology outpatient department (OPD), Adesh medical college, Bathinda was conducted for the period of 2 years. Socio-demographic and clinical information was collected and sample was taken from the edge of infected area which was then collected in 2 ml of Eppendorf. Extracts of medicinal plants were then explored against dermatophyte. The data was evaluated using appropriate statistical method.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>All dermatophyte species were found sensitive for <em>Melaleuca alternifolia, Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum</em>. These medicinal plants showed very good results as antifungal against dermatophytes while <em>Azadirachta indica </em>and <em>Citrus limonum </em>were moderate sensitive and <em>Curcuma longa </em>and <em>Cocos nucifera </em>did not show any zone of inhibition around the well.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This research provides a scientific validation for the use of these medicinal plants in the treatment of dermatophytic infection and could be used in future for dermatophytic infection and other skin infection.</p>