Inhibition of the Growth of Dermatophyte Fungi and Yeast Associated with Dandruff and Related Scalp Inflammatory Conditions by the Essential Oils of Artemisia Afra, Pteronia Incana, Lavandula Officinalis and Rosmarinus Officinalis

Abstract

The antifungal activities of two of the prominent indigenous essential oils, namely Artemisia afra and Pteronia incana, as well as, lavender and rosemary oils from the same region, was determined against eight dermatophyte fungi and two yeast strains which included Epidermophyton, Microsporum, Trichophyton and Malassezia strains. The test organisms were selected because of their association with dandruff and other scalp related inflammations, while the oils were chosen for their potential marketing value. The agar diffusion and dilution assays were performed on Modified Leeming and Notman agar for Malasseizia strains and on Sabouraud dextrose agar or Malt extract agar for Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton strains. All the four oils exhibited remarkable antifungal activities against the test organisms. The efficiency with regard to the type of the oil followed the order Artemisia afra> lavender> rosemary> Pteronia incana. The essential oils under consideration and A. afra oil in particular have potential for industrial applications due to their remarkable antifungal activities. They could be recommended as alternatives in the control of dermatophytes, associated with dandruff and related scalp inflammatory conditions and can possibly serve as potential alternative ingredients for formulations, aimed at improving scalp hygiene.