A Survey of Antifungal Activity of Selected South African Plant Species Used for the Treatment of Skin Infections (original) (raw)

2020, Natural Product Communications

Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of the skin caused by a group of pathogenic fungi known as dermatophytes. Therefore, we investigated those medicinal plants that were being used by local people and traditional healers to treat skin infections in the Mopani District, Limpopo Province. A survey was conducted through the use of a semistructured program to gather information on the common names, plant parts used, methods of preparation, and administration of the medicine. Findings of the survey revealed that over 30 plant species were used for the treatment of skin infections in the area. The most common local mode of medicinal preparation to treat skin was decoction (37%), followed by paste (21%), infusion (19%), poultice (9%), smoke (7%), maceration (5%), and steam (2%). Of the species, only 12 ( Ficus sur L., Peltophorum africanum Sond., Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta, Diospyros mespilliformis Hochst. ex. A. DC., Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata, Euclea divi...