ANTIFUNGAL TOPICAL GEL OF LEAF EXTRACT OF AMARANTHUS VIRIDIS L. FOR TREATMENT OF CUTANEOUS CANDIDIASIS

The objective of the study was to prepare antifungal gel using leaves of Amaranthus viridis for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis. The leaves were studied for pharmacognostic evaluation. The powder of leaves was tested for phytoconstituents. The plant extract was evaluated for the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and antifungal activity. Gel was prepared and evaluated for pH, viscosity, homogeneity and grittiness. MIC and MFC of extract were both found to be 600 mg. The zone of inhibition of extract was obtained at 21.2±0.2mm, which confirmed antifungal activity, due to presence of phenolic compound. Gel exhibited good antifungal activity, good spreadability, extrudability and high viscosity. Thus, gel loaded with leaves extract of A. viridis is a good choice for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.