A Study to Compare the In-vitro Antifungal Activity of Cymbopogon Citratus and Terbinafine By Disc Diffusion Method Against the Selected Clinical Isolates of Dermatophytosis

Abstract

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.