Antifungal activity of homoeopathic mother tincture jaborandi against microsporum canis: an in-vitro study

Dr Siddharth M J
Dr Shanu S

ABSTRACT
Background: Dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis is common. This study evaluates the antifungal activity of Jaborandi mother tincture using diffusion methods. Maximum inhibition (21 mm) was observed at 200 µL showing dose-dependent activity.

Keyword: Homoeopathy, Jaborandi, Microsporum canis, Antifungal activity, Mother tincture.

Aim: To evaluate the invitro antifungal activity of Homoeopathic Mother Tincture Jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus) against Microsporum canis (MTCC 2820).

Materials and Methods: The organism was cultured on SDA and tested using well diffusion and disc diffusion methods. Jaborandi MT was tested at 50 μL, 100 μL, and 200 μL concentrations. Negative control was the solvent (ethanol). Zone of inhibition was measured after incubation for 5–7 days.

Results: Jaborandi MT exhibited measurable antifungal activity. The highest activity was seen at 200 μL with 21 mm ZOI. Antifungal activity showed a dose dependent increase.

Conclusion: Homoeopathic Mother Tincture Jaborandi exhibits significant invitro antifungal activity against Microsporum canis, suggesting potential for clinical exploration.

DISCUSSION
The present study investigated the in-vitro antifungal activity of Homoeopathic Mother Tincture Jaborandi against Microsporum canis. The results demonstrated that Jaborandi MT possesses measurable antifungal effects, with inhibition increasing proportionally to concentration.

Although no previous research has specifically assessed Jaborandi against M. canis, these findings align with evidence that Homoeopathic Mother Tinctures can possess direct antimicrobial properties due to their phytochemical content. Studies on MTs such as Calendula officinalis, Echinacea angustifolia, and Ocimum sanctum have reported significant inhibitory effects on various fungi [4,5].

The observed antifungal activity is likely attributable to alkaloid constituents of Jaborandi, including pilocarpine, jaborine, and other imidazole alkaloids, which have been associated with antimicrobial actions in herbal pharmacology literature [6].

Recent molecular studies have highlighted increasing antifungal resistance among dermatophytes, particularly to terbinafine and azole derivatives [3]. In this context, the finding that Jaborandi MT inhibits M. canis is significant, suggesting plant-derived complementary formulations may serve as alternative or supportive antifungal agents, especially in recurrent or resistant dermatophytosis.

Probable mechanisms may include cell membrane disruption, inhibition of keratinase enzymes, interference with spore germination, or oxidative stress induction – mechanisms consistent with known actions of plant-derived alkaloids.

The dose-dependent response (50 µL: mild, 100 µL: moderate, 200 µL: strong) confirms that the antifungal effect is directly proportional to the quantity of phytochemicals present. Well diffusion demonstrated stronger effects than disc diffusion, as wells allow greater volume of extract to diffuse into the medium.

Limitations: Only one fungal species was tested; no comparison with standard antifungal drugs; molecular mechanisms not evaluated; in-vivo efficacy not assessed.

Future scope: Testing on additional dermatophytes, MIC determination, phytochemical analysis to isolate active compounds, comparison with standard antifungals, and clinical evaluation.

CONCLUSION
This in-vitro study demonstrated that Homoeopathic Mother Tincture Jaborandi possesses significant antifungal activity against Microsporum canis. Using well diffusion and disc diffusion methods, Jaborandi MT produced clear, measurable zones of inhibition that increased proportionally with concentration, with the strongest effect at 200 µL (21 mm). The absence of significant inhibition in the negative control confirms that the antifungal activity is attributable to the phytochemical constituents of Jaborandi MT. Given rising antifungal resistance among dermatophytes, Jaborandi MT shows potential as an alternative or supportive antifungal agent worthy of further clinical exploration.

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Dr SIDDHARTH M J
Intern, Alva’s Homoeopathic Medical College, Karnataka, India
Guide Dr SHANU S MD , Associtae Professor. Repertory