Abstract

The antifungal potential of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and Zingiber officinale (ginger) essential oils alone and in combinations, against common causes of Pityriasis versicolor infections in humans was investigated via in vitro investigations, in order to determine a suitable dosage for use in clinical trials. The antifungal activity of oils was screened against Malassezia furfurby using disc diffusion method and microdilution method. Turmeric oil showed strong antifungal activity (55 mm, MIC 0.1 µl/ml) while ginger oil had good antifungal activity (37.5 mm, 0.03 µl/ml) and their mixture showed excellent antifungal activity (65 mm, MIC 0.02 µl/ml) against M. furfur. The inhibition zone of mixture of oils (turmeric and ginger) is higher than single oils and reference antibiotics. Gentamycin and Streptomycin showed inhibition zone of 16.5 and 17 mm against M. furfur. From our findings, the results provide a scientific validation for the use of these essential oils in the treatment of dermatophytic infections and could be used in future for the development of anti-skin disease agents.

Key words: Pityriasis versicolor, Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale oils.