Using natural compounds in the Nano scale against dermatophytes
Using natural compounds in the Nano scale against dermatophytes
Helia Ramezani,1,*Hanieh Ataollahi,2
1. , Faculty of Biological Science, Department of Biotechnology, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran 2. , Faculty of Biological Science, Department of Biotechnology, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
Introduction: Dermatophytosis refers to infections that are among the most common in the world, with the serious issue of high recurrence. Invasion and multiplication are characteristics of dermatophytes, which can damage keratinized tissues including skin, hair, and nails. The first line of treatment for superficial dermatophytosis is topical antifungals because they are highly effective and have less systemic side effects. These drugs are available in a wide range of delivery systems, including creams, sprays, lotions, and gels. Drug resistance to antifungal compounds is currently the most important issue in the treatment of fungal infections around the world, which has detrimental consequences such as social and psychological effects, occupational effects on health, and a lower standard of living. The aim of this research is to look at using natural compounds and Nano drug delivery systems to treat dermatophytosis.
Methods: The present review article was conducted by searching the databases -Pubmed-, -Springer-, and -Science Direct- for articles published between 2013 and 2021, by various combinations of the words -natural compounds- and -dermatophyte- and -Nanoparticles-. After removing the reiterative and reviewing abstracts, the full text of selected articles was reviewed.
Results: In view of all these articles, natural products such as chitosan, plant extracts, and essential oils are emerging as viable alternatives to traditional therapies. Extracts from onion, garlic, coffee, chili, cumin, turmeric, Laurus nobilis, and Curry leaf are among the plant extracts with anti-dermatophyte properties. Basil, dill weed, Lavander, thyme, Rosemary, tea tree, and clove leaf are some of the essential oils with anti-dermatophyte properties. Chitosan has been shown to be non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible, as well as anti-dermatophyte effects.
Because of their properties such as small size, biocompatibility, and multifunctionality, Nanoparticles have the potential to overcome the limitations of current therapeutic strategies for dermatophytosis. One study found that curcumin-carrying Nanoparticles were an effective option for treating dermatophytosis infection. Another study found that silver Nanoparticles biosynthesised with lemon peel extract had anti-dermatophyte properties.
According to studies, the use of natural substances in the Nanoscale can be effective in the treatment of dermatophytosis.
Conclusion: The main goal is to develop a therapeutic solution for dermatophytosis that is both effective and safe. For long-term usage, new biocompatible drug formulations are needed. Using natural compounds, while low-cost, has few side effects. However, research into their anti-dermatophyte properties is still in its early stages, and further research is needed before they can be considered a viable treatment choice.