Gondia College of Pharmacy, Gondia, India.
Fungal infections, or mycoses, represent a significant and growing public health challenge worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Factors such as poor hygiene, compromised immunity, environmental exposure, and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics have contributed to the increasing incidence of superficial and systemic fungal infections. Although conventional antifungal creams remain the standard line of treatment, their frequent usage is often associated with adverse effects, higher costs, and the emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains. As a result, there is a growing interest in herbal antifungal therapies that offer natural, cost-effective, and safer alternatives. Herbal antifungal creams utilize plant-based compounds known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. Medicinal plants like Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), and Curcuma longa (Turmeric) have demonstrated promising antifungal efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo studies. These herbs contain bioactive constituents such as nimbin, eugenol, and curcumin that exhibit fungistatic and fungicidal activity against a range of dermatophytes and yeast-like fungi. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the classification and constituents of antifungal creams, elaborates on the pharmacological mechanisms of herbal agents, and compares the efficacy and safety profiles of herbal versus synthetic formulations. The formulation challenges, clinical findings, and potential for future development of herbal antifungal creams are also discussed. Overall, the review supports the growing relevance of herbal antifungal formulations as a viable and effective approach to dermatological therapy.
Fungal infections, medically referred to as mycoses, are caused by a diverse group of fungal organisms that invade and colonize various tissues and organs of the human body. These infections can range from superficial, involving only the skin, hair, or nails, to subcutaneous and systemic forms that may affect internal organs and lead to life-threatening complications, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Among the different categories, superficial fungal infections are the most prevalent and include conditions such as tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea capitis (scalp infection), onychomycosis (nail fungal infection), and cutaneous candidiasis. These infections are especially widespread in tropical and subtropical climates, where high humidity, heat, and sweating create an ideal environment for fungal growth and transmission. Crowded living conditions, poor sanitation, and inadequate access to healthcare further facilitate the spread of these infections. The etiological agents of superficial mycoses primarily include dermatophytes (e.g., Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton species), yeasts (mainly Candida albicans), and molds. Dermatophytes have a particular affinity for keratinized tissues such as the stratum corneum of the skin, hair shafts, and nails, where they derive nutrients and proliferate. Meanwhile, Candida species, which are part of the normal microbial flora of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary tract, can become opportunistic pathogens when the host’s defense mechanisms are compromised.
Several predisposing factors can lead to the initiation and exacerbation of fungal infections. These include:
The clinical manifestations of superficial fungal infections vary depending on the site and extent of involvement but commonly include itching, redness, scaling, fissuring, thickening of the skin or nails, and in some cases, pain or secondary bacterial infections. While generally not life-threatening, these infections can significantly impact quality of life, cosmetic appearance, and psychological well-being, particularly in chronic or recurrent cases. The growing burden of fungal infections and their public health implications have made effective treatment essential. However, the increasing resistance to conventional antifungal agents, coupled with side effects such as burning, stinging, or allergic reactions, has led to an urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. This has paved the way for herbal and plant-based antifungal formulations, which are being explored extensively due to their natural origin, lower risk of resistance development, minimal side effects, and additional skin-beneficial properties. This section sets the stage for a more comprehensive review of the antifungal therapeutic landscape, emphasizing the scientific rationale and therapeutic potential of herbal antifungal creams in the context of rising mycotic infections.
Causes of Fungal Infections:
Fungal infections are primarily caused by:
Predisposing factors include:
Classification of Antifungal Creams:
Medicated (Synthetic) Antifungal Creams
These formulations contain synthetic antifungal agents designed to disrupt fungal cell wall synthesis or function.
Common synthetic agents:
• Azoles: Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Ketoconazole
• Allylamines: Terbinafine, Naftifine
• Polyenes: Nystatin
• Echinocandins (mostly for systemic use)
Mechanism of Action:
• Azoles inhibit ergosterol synthesis, weakening fungal membranes.
• Allylamines inhibit squalene epoxidase, disrupting cell membrane integrity.
ADVANTAGES:
• Rapid symptom relief
• Broad-spectrum activity
• FDA-approved with known safety profiles
DISADVANTAGES:
• Expensive
• Local side effects (burning, irritation)
• Long-term use can cause resistance
• Not suitable for all age groups or sensitive skin
Herbal Antifungal Creams:
These use plant-based ingredients with natural antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are gaining attention due to increased interest in green medicine and Ayurvedic practices.
Benefits:
• Mild on skin, suitable for prolonged use
• Natural origin, fewer side effects
Challenges:
Herbal Ingredients Commonly Used in Antifungal Creams:
|
Sr. No. |
Herbal Ingredient |
Pharmacological Role |
|
1 |
Neem (Azadirachta indica) |
Potent antifungal, antibacterial, wound healing |
|
2 |
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) |
Antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory |
|
3 |
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) |
Antifungal, antiseptic, healing agent |
|
4 |
Tea Tree Oil |
Disrupts fungal membranes, antiseptic |
|
5 |
Aloe Vera |
Soothing, anti-inflammatory, skin regenerating |
|
6 |
Beeswax |
Emollient and emulsifying base |
Pharmacogenetic Profile of Selected Plants:
Key Constituents: Nimbin, nimbidin, azadirachtin, flavonoids
Mechanisms of Action – Herbal vs. Synthetic:
|
Feature |
Synthetic Creams |
Herbal Creams |
|
Source |
Chemically synthesized |
Plant-based |
|
Mechanism |
Inhibits ergosterol/cell wall |
Disrupts fungal membranes, boosts healing |
|
Onset of Action |
Rapid |
Gradual |
|
Side Effects |
Burning, itching, allergy |
Minimal to none |
|
Cost |
High |
Low to moderate |
|
Resistance Risk |
High with long- term use |
Low |
Literature Review:
Several published works support the use of both synthetic and herbal antifungal preparations. Selected highlights include:
Evaluated the cost-effectiveness of herbal vs. synthetic antifungal products in low-income populations.
Aim of the Study:
To explore and evaluate the formulation, efficacy, and safety of herbal antifungal creams using plant extracts such as Azadirachta indica (Neem), in comparison with synthetic formulations.
Objectives:
CONCLUSION:
Herbal antifungal creams provide a natural, safe, and effective alternative to conventional medicated products, especially for superficial fungal infections. The phytochemicals in plants like Neem, Tulsi, and Turmeric have shown promising antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, making them ideal for topical formulations. While synthetic creams offer rapid results, they carry risks such as adverse reactions, cost burden, and resistance. In contrast, herbal creams are gentle, affordable, and sustainable, though they may require longer treatment durations. To maximize the benefits of herbal formulations, further standardization, clinical trials, and regulatory validation are essential. Herbal medicine has the potential to reshape dermatological care when supported by scientific rigor and quality control.
REFERENCES
Krishna Bhendarkar*, Rohit Dongre, Himanshu Dhameja, Prashant Bawankar, Review on Herbal Antifungal Cream, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 7, 1341-1348. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15852275
10.5281/zenodo.15852275
