ANTIFUNGAL POTENTIAL OF ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS AGAINST MICROSPORUM GYPSEUM AND TRICHOPHYTON RUBRUM

Dermatophytoses is a serious contagious fungal infection mainly infests skin; nail and hair caused by dermatophytes and is threat to human health.In recent years, the infections caused by these fungi have been increasing at an alarming rate.We have undertaken this research since no scientific data and valid proofs were available regarding the antifungal potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of the Rosmarinus officinalis.In this study, hydroalcoholic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis was investigated for antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum gypseum.The antifungal activity was determined using the agar well diffusion method.The diameter of the clear zone of inhibition surrounding the well was measured.The hydroalcoholic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis had antifungal activity against all the test organisms.It can be concluded from results that hydroalcoholic extract of whole plant of Rosmarinus officinalis may be considered as a potent antifungal agent and can be used as a potent source for possible treatment of fungal infections.