A Survey of Antifungal Activity of Selected South African Plant Species Used for the Treatment of Skin Infections

Abstract

Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of the skin caused by a group of pathogenic fungi known as dermatophytes. Therefore, we investigated those medicinal plants that were being used by local people and traditional healers to treat skin infections in the Mopani District, Limpopo Province. A survey was conducted through the use of a semistructured program to gather information on the common names, plant parts used, methods of preparation, and administration of the medicine. Findings of the survey revealed that over 30 plant species were used for the treatment of skin infections in the area. The most common local mode of medicinal preparation to treat skin was decoction (37%), followed by paste (21%), infusion (19%), poultice (9%), smoke (7%), maceration (5%), and steam (2%). Of the species, only 12 ( Ficus sur L., Peltophorum africanum Sond., Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta, Diospyros mespilliformis Hochst. ex. A. DC., Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata, Euclea divinorum Hiern, Ximenia caffra Sond., Dombeya rotundifolia Hochst., Ficus sycomorus L., Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp inerme, Parinari curattellifolia Planch. ex Benth., and Maytenus undata (Thunb.) Blakelock) were selected based on literature and ethnobotanical information. We further investigated the antifungal activity of acetone and aqueous extracts of the above mentioned selected plant species using serial dilution assay against Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, and Candida albicans. All plant extracts were active against the tested microorganisms with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging between 0.02 mg/mL and 1.25 mg/mL. In the bioautography assay, more active compounds were visible in acetone and water extracts of E. divinorum. No active compounds were observed in some plant extracts with excellent antifungal activity, as shown in the microdilution assay. Findings, in general, suggest that the identified plant species, especially those with extracts showing relatively low MIC values, are playing a big role in treating skin infections in Mopani District.

Antimicrobial Compounds in the Volatilome of Social Spider Communities

“…For example, triterpenes extracted from Combretum imberbe and Acacia mellifera showed antibacterial activity ( Angeh et al, 2007 ; Mutai et al, 2009a ). The majority of the plant species in which the spider nests were located in, are known for their antibacterial, antifungal, and/or antiviral activity, even when detailed studies on the chemical compositions are lacking ( Masoko et al, 2007 , 2010 ; Peloewetse et al, 2008 ; Mutai et al, 2009b ; Arbab et al, 2015 ; Lamola et al, 2017 ; Shikwambana and Mahlo, 2020 ). All in all, we found several VOCs in the nest, web, and spider volatilomes.…”

Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Toxicity of Euclea divinorum Hern (Ebenaceae): A Review

“…Its antifungal activity was comparable to that of the ethyl acetate (ZOI = 20 mm) and methanolic (ZOI = 25 mm) extracts against the six tested fungal strains: Absidia corymbifera, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida krusei, Microsporum gypseum, Mucor species and Trichophyton mentagrophytes with ZOI ranging between 15 mm and 20 mm (34). Acetonic and aqueous extracts of E. divinorum roots were indicated to excert antifungal activity against C. albicans, Microsporum canis and Trichophyton rubrum with average MIC of 0.23 to 0.47 mg/mL (79). Kilonzo et al (25) reported that petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of E. divinorum leaves, stem bark and root bark showed antimicorbial activity against S. aureus (MIC = 0.718 to >25 mg/mL), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC = 0.718 >25 mg/mL), E. coli (MIC = 0.718 >25 mg/mL), Salmonella typhi (MIC = 0.718 to >25 mg/mL), C. albicans (MIC = 0.718 to >25 mg/mL), and C. neoformans (MIC = 0.718 to >25 mg/mL).…”

“…are symbolically revered as Haaganaa trees (trees ordained by mystical powers) and are used in rituals of avoiding inauspicious omen, idiotism, homicide case resolution and mythical power expression (72). In South Africa, E. divinorum is used in magical practices (79). (106).…”

The Genus Diospyros: A Review of Novel Insights into the Biological Activity and Species of Mozambican Flora

“…Several studies have reported the potential antifungal activity of the root and root bark of most Diospyros species [42,54,92]. However, the antifungal activity of a leaf extract of D. mespiliformis has also been confirmed [47,93].…”