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Abubakar F, Muhammad S, Isah M, Muhammad A, Almustapha Aliero A, Riskuwa S. Antifungal Activity of Mitracarpus hirtus Leaf Extract against Dermatophytes Isolated from Ringworm Patients. pbp 2026; 8
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-323-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-323-en.html
Farida Abubakar *1 
, Shamsudeen Muhammad2 , Musa Isah3 , Amina Muhammad3 , Adamu Almustapha Aliero3 , Sadiq Riskuwa3
, Shamsudeen Muhammad2 , Musa Isah3 , Amina Muhammad3 , Adamu Almustapha Aliero3 , Sadiq Riskuwa3
1- Department of Microbiology, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero, Nigeria. , farida.abubakar@ksusta.edu.ng
2- Department of Microbiology, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero, Nigeria
3- Department of Microbiology, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero, Nigeria
2- Department of Microbiology, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero, Nigeria
3- Department of Microbiology, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero, Nigeria
Abstract: (563 Views)
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of aqueous leaf extracts of Mitracarpus hirtus against dermatophytes isolated from patients with clinically diagnosed ringworm.
Methods: Fresh M. hirtus leaves were collected, extracted in water, and subjected to phytochemical screening. Dermatophytes were isolated from skin scrapings of patients in Birnin Kebbi and identified using morphological and microscopic techniques. The antifungal activity of the extracts was assessed in vitro using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations of 20, 40, 80, and 100 mg/mL. Ketoconazole (5 mg/mL) was used as a positive control.
Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, and cyanogenic glycosides, while glycosides and volatile oils were absent. A total of 34 dermatophyte isolates were recovered, with Trichophyton mentagrophyte (29.4%) being the most prevalent, followed by T. beigelii, Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum, and T. rubrum. The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent antifungal effect, with inhibition zones ranging from 12 mm at 20 mg/mL to 26 mm at 100 mg/mL. The highest activity was observed against T. rubrum and M. canis, while E. floccosum showed the least susceptibility.
Conclusion: M. hirtus aqueous leaf extract demonstrates significant antifungal activity against common dermatophytes, supporting its ethno medicinal use. The findings highlight its potential as a natural source for antifungal drug development. Further studies focusing on the isolation of active compounds, elucidation of mechanisms of action, and clinical validation are recommended to develop standardized, plant-based antifungal therapies.
Methods: Fresh M. hirtus leaves were collected, extracted in water, and subjected to phytochemical screening. Dermatophytes were isolated from skin scrapings of patients in Birnin Kebbi and identified using morphological and microscopic techniques. The antifungal activity of the extracts was assessed in vitro using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations of 20, 40, 80, and 100 mg/mL. Ketoconazole (5 mg/mL) was used as a positive control.
Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, and cyanogenic glycosides, while glycosides and volatile oils were absent. A total of 34 dermatophyte isolates were recovered, with Trichophyton mentagrophyte (29.4%) being the most prevalent, followed by T. beigelii, Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum, and T. rubrum. The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent antifungal effect, with inhibition zones ranging from 12 mm at 20 mg/mL to 26 mm at 100 mg/mL. The highest activity was observed against T. rubrum and M. canis, while E. floccosum showed the least susceptibility.
Conclusion: M. hirtus aqueous leaf extract demonstrates significant antifungal activity against common dermatophytes, supporting its ethno medicinal use. The findings highlight its potential as a natural source for antifungal drug development. Further studies focusing on the isolation of active compounds, elucidation of mechanisms of action, and clinical validation are recommended to develop standardized, plant-based antifungal therapies.
Keywords: Mitracarpus hirtus, Antifungal activity, Dermatophytes, Phytochemical screening, Ringworm infections
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Herbal Drugs
Received: 2025/07/11 | Accepted: 2025/12/1 | Published: 2025/12/1
Received: 2025/07/11 | Accepted: 2025/12/1 | Published: 2025/12/1
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