Comparative Study on Antifungal Effects of Calotropis procera and Ficus gnaphalocarpa Latex against Tinea capitis

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the antifungal activities of Calotropis procera and Ficus gnaphalocarpa latex against three scalp ring worms; Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis using agar well diffusion method at 1.3 and 1.4ml latex concentrations. The plants latex was obtained at Rafin Guzuma and Giwa tazo village’s farms at Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Scalp ringworm samples were collected from pupils in (5) five Model Primary Schools within the study Area namely: Muhammadu Bello Dunbegu, Giwa tazo, Rafin Guzuma, Gidiga and Saran dosa Model Primary Schools. The antifungal assay results portrayed broad spectrum activity against the three dermatophytes: Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis tested with comparable inhibitory zones ranged from 13.28 to 16.10mm for C. procera latex and 14.09 to 18.10mm for F. gnaphalocarpa latex as compared with the positive control (Griseofulvin). The study conducted revealed that, F. gnaphalocarpa latex has higher antifungal effect compared to C. procera latex on the test organisms.