Preparation, characterization and in vitro efficacy studies of antifungal topical formulations

Year 2025, Volume: 29 Issue: 6, 2452 - 2463, 02.11.2025

Mehmet Tayfur Nurseli Saylam , Sibel Döşler , Büşra Örenli Gülgun Yener

https://doi.org/10.12991/jrespharm.1798095

Abstract

Fungal skin infections are among common and serious global health issues. In recent years, there has been an increase in fungal infections due to frequent use and wrong consumption of antibiotics and antifungals that suppress the immune system. Current treatment options have limitations such as the high toxicity of antifungal agents, the effects of pharmacodynamic-pharmacokinetic mechanisms, and the occurrence of antifungal resistance. The side effects of synthetic drugs used in the treatment of fungal infections necessitated the development of alternative formulations. Essential oils from various plants are natural resources that have been used in modern and traditional medicine for centuries as antifungal and antimicrobial agents. In this study planned in the light of this information, antifungal efficacy tests were carried out on fungi causing superficial fungal infections by preparing gel formulations of tea tree oil, thyme oil, clove oil and hackberry oil, which are natural sources that have been frequently used in both modern and traditional medicine for centuries. The most appropriate formulation has been investigated. Gel formulations of tea tree oil, thyme oil, clove essential oils and hackberry oil were prepared and their antifungal activities on T. rubrum, M. canis, and C. albicans strains causing skin fungal infections were investigated comparatively. The MIC values of the gels prepared with essential oils were evaluated according to the CLSI accuracy range. The results have revealed that it could be predicted this gel formulations with natural components may be effective and alternative in the treatment of skin fungal infections in humans.

Keywords

Topical , antifungal , gel , tea tree oil , thyme oil , clove oil , hackberry oil

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