‘Turmeric’ An Age-Old Panacea for many ills can be a Potential Source of Antidermatophytic Agent

Antimicrobial evaluation of the essential oil(s) of some spp. of Curcuma viz., Curcuma   angustifolia, C. aromatica and C. zedoaria – “an age old panacea for many ills”, were screened against three common dermatophytic fungi causing ringworm infection in human beings. The essential oil of Curcuma aromatica Salisb.( Family- Zingiberaceae ) was found strongest toxicant against the test fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the oil was 1.8µl/ml against Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophyton rubrum, and 1.6µl/ml against Microsporum gypseum ; however, it was fungicidal at 2.0 µl/ml against E. floccosum and T. rubrum , and 1.8 µl/ml against M. gypseum, respectively. The efficacy contains heavy doses of inoculums (25 discs of 5 mm each.). The (MKT) of the oil was 30 sec against E.   floccosum & Microsporum gypseum and 20 sec against T. rubrum , while, its MFCs required 6.30 hrs against E.   floccosum & Microsporum gypseum and 5.30 hrs against T. rubrum. The oils efficacy was thermo stable up to 100 0 C and for 36 months of storage, the maximum unit taken into consideration. Moreover, the oil of C. aromatica did not exhibit any adverse effect on mammalian skin up to 5% conc. Relationship of the dermatophytes to the toxicity of the oil vis-a vis phylogeny using molecular data of the pathogens have also been discussed. Further, t he clinical trial of the oil in the form of ointment (at 1% v/v conc) to topical testing on patients, attending out patient department (OPD) of MLN Medical College, Allahabad is still in progress.