Evaluation of garlic extracts antifungal potential against causative fungi of dermatomycosis in Chile

Resumen

Background: Several studies on garlic have shown that due to its bioactive components, it exhibits antimicrobial properties. The most prevalent dermatomycoses are those caused by dermatophytes and yeasts of the genus Candida. In recent years, an increase in recurrent and recalcitrant cases has been reported due to strains of dermatophytes resistant to terbinafine, a considered first-line antifungal. Objective: The objective of this work was to determine the in-vitro antifungal effect of extracts from Chinese garlic (fresh variety) and Chilote garlic (fresh and black varieties) against the two primary fungi that cause superficial mycoses: Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans. Methods: The hydroalcoholic method obtained Fresh garlic extracts with subsequent freeze-drying. Decreasing concentrations of each extract were tested. Results: Both fresh Chilote garlic and its black variety showed antifungal effectiveness at different concentrations on both analyzed fungal agents. In contrast, white garlic of Chinese origin did not show effectiveness against C. albicans at any concentration tested. Conclusions: Black garlic, compared to fresh garlic, does not release a robust characteristic odor or flavor, which would open a point of interest as a natural alternative to the antifungals currently used.