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Published on: June 21, 2018
Phytochemical characterization and antidermatophytic activity of a leaf extract from Mitracarpusscaber
Richard Kanyanga Cimanga1, Philippe Mulumba Mukumbayi2, Luc Pieters3
1Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kinshasa, P.O. Box 21, Kinshasa XI, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Natural Products & Food Research and Analysis - Pharmaceutical Technology (NatuRAPT), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
Ethnopharmacological Relevance:
Leaf extracts from Mitracarpus scaber Zucc. (Rubiaceae) (synonym of M. hirtus DC.) are used against skin diseases in traditional medicine in Africa.
Aim Of The Study:
In the current study, the potential of M. scaber as antifungal agent is assessed both in vitro and in a human pilot study.
Materials And Methods:
The 80 % methanolic leaf extract was phytochemically characterized by UHPLC-HRMS, and its antifungal activity evaluated in vitro. An ointment containing 5 % of this extract (Metadermine) was prepared and tested on 20 human volunteers suffering from dermal mycosis. The ointment was applied to the skin 3x/day for 7 days.
Results:
The phytochemical profile of the 80 % methanolic leaf extract was determined, and its antifungal activity was confirmed in vitro. The application of Metadermine caused a pronounced decrease of mycosis spots on day 3, until complete disappearance on day 7. A maintenance treatment was done for 7 more days. No unwanted effects were observed, indicating the safety and tolerability of Metadermine. Treated patients were observed for 3 months and no recurrence was noted.
Conclusions:
The findings of this pilot study indicate that Metadermine ointment has clinical efficacy against dermal mycosis.
