Antifungal effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Tropaeolum majus L. against dermatophytes causing Tinea pedis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35622/Keywords:
antifungal activity, dermatophytes, hydroalcoholic extract, tinea pedisAbstract
Superficial mycoses are common cutaneous infections, and tinea pedis is primarily associated with dermatophytes such as Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum. Although synthetic antifungals remain the standard treatment, recurrences, adverse effects, and reduced fungal susceptibility have prompted the evaluation of plant-based alternatives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Tropaeolum majus L. flowers on the in vitro growth of T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and E. floccosum. A comparative experimental study was conducted. Five extracts were prepared by maceration using ethanol gradients of 65°, 70°, 80°, 85°, and 90%. Antifungal activity was determined by disk diffusion (Kirby–Bauer) and agar well diffusion methods, using clotrimazole as a positive control and distilled water as a negative control. The response was assessed by measuring the diameter of the inhibition halo and the absence of visible growth within the diffusion area. The results showed growth inhibition of the three species in all evaluated extracts, with concordance between both techniques and reproducible behavior across replicates. Overall, the findings support the therapeutic potential of T. majus as a source of bioactive compounds with possible application in the treatment of superficial mycoses and endorse its consideration as a complementary phytotherapeutic alternative in contexts aiming to reduce reliance on synthetic antifungals or address resistance and accessibility issues.
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