Balanites kernel oil for the treatment of dermatophytes: a clinical trial

ABSTRACT

In a previous in vitro study, we have shown that the kernel oil of fruits of the tree Balanites aegyptiaca referred to as Balanites kernel oil [BKO] is active against dermatophytes [i.e. superficial mycosis, ringworms, tineas [T. captitis, T. cercinata and T. pedis]. We report here our clinical trials with BKO. Trials were performed on patients presenting at Wad Medani Dermatology Teaching Hospital as well as primary school children in Elsoreeba Town [5 km south of Wad Medani]. Not all patients followed treatment till completely cured. Patients treated with BKO [half of the total] achieved complete cure in 3-5 weeks, on average, while those treated with the standard antifungal drug Miconazole [half of the total patients] did the same in the longer period of 3-8 weeks. Photographs showing progress of response to BKO treatments are included. BKO has great potential for development as a commercial drug for the treatment of dertmatophytes