Synthesis and antifungal activity of novel griseofulvin nanoparticles with zinc oxide against dermatophytic fungi: Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum: A primary study.

Background and Purpose: Dermatophytoses is an important type of skin disease caused by dermatophytes. The long-term treatment of this disease with standard antifungal agents may be improved through the application of nanotechnology. This study aimed to prepare nanoparticles of griseofulvin with zinc oxide and assess its antifungal action. Materials and Methods: Nanoparticles of griseofulvin with zinc oxide (GF-ZnO NPs) were prepared. Physical characteristics of new preparation and antidermatophytic action against two species of dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum) were investigated. Testing of two species was considered a primary test for antifungals of griseofulvin nanoparticles. Results: Physical examination indicated that GF-ZnO NPs had typical nanoparticle characteristics. A new formulation showed effective inhibitory action against two fungal species with higher efficiency than that of griseofulvin. T. mentagrophytes required a higher MIC value (0.0625 µg/mL) of GF-ZnO NPs than that required by T. verrucosum (0.031 µg/mL). Conclusion: GF-ZnO NPs revealed an effective action against dermatophytes compared to griseofulvin alone. Nanoparticles containing griseofulvin may be used in the development of a novel drug for the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Antifungal activity of essential oils against itraconazole-resistant pathogenic Candida isolated from vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Background and Purpose: Fungal infection by species of pathogenic Candida with antifungal resistance is currently a serious problem. Treatment with new medications is becoming more challenging to manage this type of infection. The present study aimed to investigate the antifungal effect of essential oils (EOs) against itraconazole-resistant species of pathogenic Candida. Materials and Methods: Seven essential oils were tested on 15 clinical isolates of itraconazole-resistant Candida from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis. The antifungal action of selected EOs was evaluated using the disc diffusion method with the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of effective Eos. Results: Radish EO was the most effective type against all Candida isolates with MICs between 3.125% and 6.25% (v/v) .It also had a stronger effect than itraconazole. Six other EOs showed antifungal effects at varying concentrations and were dependent upon the type of isolate. Low concentrations of these six EOs were more effective against many isolates than their high concentrations. Moreover, camphor and linseed EOs were less effective on isolates. Conclusion: Radish EO has a strong antifungal activity against itraconazole-resistance species of Candida, even more than itraconazole. The antifungal action of some EOs can be increased through the use of low concentrations.