Efficacy of local herbal therapy in the management of dermatophytosis among primary school children in Cross River State, South-south Nigeria.

Abstract

As a contribution to the on-going search for alternative, available and affordable treatment of common infections in Sub-saharan Africa, the efficacy of local herbs, Senna alata(Linn) and Borreria ocymoides (Burm), in comparison with conventional drugs, griseofulvin and clotrimazole in the treatment of dermatophytosis among primary school children, was examined in the three districts of Cross River State, South-South Nigeria. Out of 840 pupils screened, 68 (8.1%) were infected, with incidence ranging from 11 (1.3%) in the southern to 33 (3.9%) in the northern districts, indicating a widespread of the infection. Specimens taken from the infected pupils and analyzed for the causative agents, showed that Trichophyton tonsurans 29 (20.4%) followed by Microsporum soudanense 24 (16.9%) was most frequent. The greater sensitivity of the isolated dermatophytes to the local plants than the chemotherapeutic drugs (control) offers some hope of treatment and control. The antifungal activity of the plants was associated with their very high levels of chemical components, saponins, anthraquinones and flavonoids. We recommend further studies on the chemical properties and safety of the plants before total dependence on them for treatment.

• Authors: M E Eja, G E Arikpo, K H Enyi-Idoh, S E Etim, H E Etta
• Journal: African journal of medicine and medical sciences (Afr J Med Med Sci) Vol. 38 Issue 2 Pg. 135-41 (Jun 2009) ISSN: 0309-3913 [Print] Nigeria
• PMID: 20175416 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Senna Extract

Topics

• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dermatomycoses (drug therapy, epidemiology, microbiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests
• Nigeria (epidemiology)
• Phytotherapy (methods)
• Rubiaceae (chemistry)
• Senna Extract (chemistry, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome