Abstract

ACTIVITY OF NATURAL PRODUCTS DERIVED ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST DERMATOPHYTES

Richa Sharma* and Ayushi Malik

ABSTRACT

The antifungal potential of Curcuma longa (turmeric), Citrus limon(lemon) and Zingiberofficinale(ginger) essential oils alone and in combinations , against common causes of dermatophyte infections in humans was investigated with in vitro investigations, in order to determine a suitable dosage for use in clinical trials. The antifungal activity of oils was screened against Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophyte using Disc Diffusion method. Turmeric oil showed strong antifungal activity (8.5mm) against Microsporum gypseum and found sensitive against other fungi (Microsporum canis ,Trichophyto nrubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophyte),while all other fungi was found to be sensitive against these essentials oils (Curcuma longa (turmeric), Citrus limon (lemon) and Zingiber officinale (ginger). The inhibition zone of mixture of oils is higher than the single oils and the reference antibiotics (Fluconazole). Standard drug (Fluconazole) was found to be resistant against Microsporum gypseum , M.canis, T.rubrum , T. mentagrophyte. From our findings, the results provide a scientific validation for the use of these essential oils in the treatment of dermatophytic infections and could be used in future for the development of anti-skin disease agents.

Keywords: Keratinophilic fungi, dermatophytic, plant essential oils.