The aim of this study was to assess the antifungal action of medicinal plant extracts and eucalyptus oil against the dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes in order to employ phytotherapy for its control. The plants used for extract production were common rue (Ruta graveolens), citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), wild marigold (Tagetes minuta), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp), sweetsop (Annona muricata), custard apple (Annona spp), mango (Mangifera indica), pomegranate (Punica granatum), besides flowers and leaves of bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis). The use of 0.5% eucalyptus oil was effective in controlling Trichophyton mentagrophytes; however, citronella (4%), eucalyptus (5%) and pomegranate (8%) extracts acted as fungistatic, and the remaining extracts should not be used against this dermatophyte since they did not have any effect.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes; dermatophyte; eucalyptus oil; medicinal plants
