Anti–fungal potentials of herbal remedies used in the treatment of dermatophytosis in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Anti-fungal sensitivity tests conducted on five herbal remedies procured from herbalists in Owerri showed growth inhibitory effects on Trichophyton quinckeanum, T. schoenleinii, T. mentagrophytes T. Soudanense.  Microsporum audouinii and M. canis, using Agar Diffusion method. The active
ingredients of the herbal remedies analyzed reveal the presence of Tannins, saponins, alkaloids, essential oil and flavonoids among others. This provides some scientific justification for the use of these remedies for treatment of dermatophytosis. The ant-microbial potential of these remedies which can be exploited for future use have been demonstrated.

Keywords: Fungus, herbal remedies, dermatophytosis, anti-fungal, Nigeria