RESUMO
Objective: To compare the in-vitro antifungal activity of Cymbopogon citratus and terbinafine by disc diffusion method against the selected clinical isolates of dermatophytosis"
Methods: This randomized controlled study comprised of 20 clinical isolates of superficial mycotic infections. Each of the 20 samples was inoculated in three petri dishes [total 60] on Sabouraud dextrose agar [SDA] medium. The prepared discs containing methanol extract of Cymbopogon citratus and terbinafine were placed on the inoculated plates. The diameter of clear zone around each disc in millimeters was measured after three days
Results: The antifungal activity of Cymbopogon citratus was 76%, 70%, 36% and 24% against Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophyte, Microsporum canis and Microsporum audouinii respectively as compared to terbinafine [100%]
Conclusion: The Cymbopogon citratus is the potential candidate to be utilized for the treatment of superficial mycosis alternative to terbinafine