In Vitro Antimycotic Activity of Four Medicinal Plants Versus Clotrimazole in the Treatment of Otomycosis: A Preliminary Study

Objective: To determine the antimycotic activity of the four medicinal plant extracts, kalachuchi bark (Plumeria acuminata Ait.), atsuete bark (Bixa orellana Linn.), akapulko leaves (Cassia alata Linn.), and neem leaves (Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss), when compared to the standard clotrimazole in the treatment of otomycosis. Study Design: Experimental Study Methods: Taxonomically identified plants, kalachuchi, atsuete, akapulko, and neem tree were collected and deposited in an herbarium. Extracts of these plants and the standard clotrimazole were tested against isolates of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans taken from patients with otomycosis. Three trials were made for each extract using different solvents and results subjected to statistical analysis. Result: Of the four medicinal plant extracts studied, only kalachuchi bark extract exhibited antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger using methylethylketone as solvent when compared to the standard clotrimazole. It was equally effective in inhibiting the growth of A. flavus and A. niger. However, all plant extracts using all types of solvents were equally ineffective in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans. Conclusion: This in vitro study suggested that kalachuchi (Plumeria acuminata Linn.) bark extract inhibits the growth of Aspergillus species and was comparable to the standard clotrimazole. Following appropriate further studies and clinical trials, it may be a potential alternative treatment option for otomycosis caused by Aspergillus species. Key words: otomycosis; kalachuchi (Plumeria acuminata Linn.) bark; antimycotic; Aspergillus flavus; Aspergillus niger