FUNGITOXICITY OF ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST DERMATOPHYTES

Sixteen essential oils were screened in vitro for their fungitoxicity against the two dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum gyps eum. Five oils (from Artemisia nelagrica, Caesulia axillaris, Chenopod ium ambrosioides, Cymbopogon citratus and Mentha arvensis) showed stro ng activity and were assessed for their fungitoxicity against eight ot her dermatophytes as well as against Aspergillus fumigatus and Cladosp orium trichoides. These five essential oils by formulation of ointment s were able to cure experimental ringworm in guinea pigs within 7 to 1 2 days. Artemisia oil was found to be the most effective essential oil .