Are Natural Products an Alternative Therapy for Dermatophytosis

Dermatophytosis is an important health concern with an increasing negative impact due to unsuccessful therapeutic approaches. Natural products have emerged as promising alternative/complementary agents, due to long traditional uses and increasing scientific recognition. Current knowledge on the antidermatophytic activity of natural products, mainly plant extracts with an up-to-date status on their activity, mechanism of action, developed pharmaceutical formulations, and effectiveness in animal models of infection and patients with dermatophytosis is presented. Although the information available on this matter points out an undeniable potential of these compounds, their usage by the pharmaceutical industry and medical community remains a challenge.