Novel phytotherapy for tinea versicolor by extracting zingiber wightianum thwaites

Abstract

Herbal medicines are gaining more interest both in terms of medicinal and economic benefits and they are getting more patient compliance due to its fewer side effects as compared to allopathic medicines. The present research was aimed at phytochemical screening and antifungal evaluation of rhizomic extract of Zingiber wightianum Thwaites belonging to Zingiberaceae family. The rhizomes were subjected for Soxhlet extraction and the preliminary phytochemical screening of this extract proved the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, phenols. Subsequently, these extracts were evaluated for antifungal activity and minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. Hence revealed the potential to treat a fungal infection Tinea versicolor, caused by fungus Malassezia furfur. This investigation was also undertaken with a view to formulate and evaluate the herbal gel using Zingiber wightianum rhizomic extract. Thus, the overall studies concluded that the rhizomic extract of Zingiber wightianum Thwaites and its formulation would be a breakthrough in the field of modern antifungal drug.