Plant-Derived Antifungal Agents: Past and Recent Developments

Abstract

Fungal pathogens are increasing their vicinity and able to cause serious systemic and local infection in human beings. Although there are a few antifungal drugs available in the market, most of them are not completely safe and effective. On the other hand, plants have played an important role in the history of healthcare system. Several commonly available plant species belonging to algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, and angiosperms are used in the treatment of fungal diseases by indigenous people and managed well the outburst of fungal diseases. Plant-based antimicrobials represent a vast untapped source of medicine, and they have enormous therapeutic potential as they can serve the purpose without any side effects that are often associated with synthetic antimicrobials. The present chapter deals with the historical background and the present status of medicinal plants used in the treatment of fungal diseases.