Comparative efficacy of four antimicrobials against keratophilic fungi
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Comparative efficacy of four antimicrobials against keratophilic fungi
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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M.K. Rai, S. Qureshi
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Comparative efficacy of four antimicrobials against keratophilic fungi
Year: 1995
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by M.K. Rai and S. Qureshi evaluated the comparative efficacy of four topical antimicrobial agents—miconazole nitrate, graphite, Thuja, and Chrysorobin—against three keratinophilic fungi: Trichophyton terrestris, Chrysosporium tropicum, and Microsporum gypseum. This research was prompted by the increasing incidence of fungal infections and the urgent need to assess broad-spectrum antimycotic agents. The authors highlight the common use of azole antifungals and homeopathic treatments for various dermal infections and aimed to systematically compare the effectiveness of these agents.
Efficacy of Antimicrobial Agents
Among the agents tested, miconazole nitrate demonstrated the highest antifungal activity, followed by graphite and Thuja, while Chrysorobin exhibited the least. The results revealed that T. terrestris was the most sensitive to the treatments, while M. gypseum showed the least susceptibility. This indicates a variation in sensitivity among the fungi, with the homeopathic treatments being less effective overall. The study also underscored a philosophical difference between homeopathy, which emphasizes treating the patient rather than the disease, and allopathy, which prioritizes addressing the disease itself.
Conclusion
The findings from this study contribute valuable insights into the efficacy of various antimicrobial agents against keratinophilic fungi, highlighting the superior activity of miconazole nitrate. Given the documented sensitivities, the research informs clinical practices regarding the treatment of fungal infections. Moreover, the implications for the differing approaches of homeopathic versus allopathic treatments emphasize the need for further exploration into the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in fungal infections. Overall, this study underscores the importance of continued evaluation and integration of diverse therapeutic options in the management of mycosis.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What four antimicrobials were tested against keratinophilic fungi?
The antimicrobials tested were Miconazole nitrate, Graphite, Thuja, and Chrysorobin ointments.
Which antimicrobial showed the highest activity against the fungi?
Miconazole nitrate exhibited the maximum activity against the keratinophilic fungi tested in the study.
Which keratinophilic fungus was most sensitive to antimicrobials?
Trichophyton terrestris was found to be the most sensitive fungus in the study.
What method was used for evaluating the antimicrobial activity?
The drug evaluation was conducted using the disc diffusion technique to assess antimicrobial activity.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Comparative efficacy of four antimicrobials against keratophilic fungi”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
In the context of the study, 'activity' refers to the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agents tested against the keratinophilic fungi. The measurement of activity is critical as it determines the capacity of each compound to inhibit fungal growth, providing insights into their potential clinical applications in treating fungal infections.
2) Drug:
'Drug' signifies the various antimicrobial agents evaluated in the study, including miconazole nitrate, Graphite, Thuja, and Chrysorobin. Understanding the drug's mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety profile is crucial for developing effective treatments against mycosis, especially since dermatological fungal infections are prevalent.
3) Science (Scientific):
'Science' embodies the systematic study and application of scientific principles and methodologies in the investigation of the efficacy of antifungal agents. The rigorous methodology employed, including isolation techniques and drug evaluation methods, underscores the scientific approach adopted in the research to derive reliable and valid results.
4) Discussion:
'Discussion' is an essential segment of scientific papers where results are interpreted, implications are explored, and comparisons are made with existing literature. In this study, the discussion allows for a critical examination of the findings on antifungal agents, facilitating the understanding of their comparative effectiveness and therapeutic potential.
5) Bahuguna (Bahuguṇa, Bahu-guna):
'Bahuguna' refers to one of the authors cited in the literature review, indicating contributions to the field of antifungal research. Recognizing various researchers strengthens the context of the study by validating the importance of continuous advancements in understanding fungal infections and treatment options.
6) Madhya (Mādhya):
'Madhya' refers to Madhya Pradesh, a state in India where the research was conducted. This geographical context can influence the types of fungal infections prevalent in the area and demonstrates the local significance of the study in addressing public health concerns related to mycosis.
7) Botany:
'Botany' is relevant as it signifies the biological discipline that studies plants, fungi, and their interactions within ecosystems. The study conducted by the Department of Botany focuses on fungal pathogens affecting human health, showcasing the integration of botanical science with medical research for practical applications.
8) Glass:
'Glass' relates to the 'glass-wool filter apparatus' used for preparing spore suspensions. This equipment is crucial for ensuring that the sample preparation is sterile and reliable, thus maintaining the integrity of the experiment and the accuracy of the results regarding antimicrobial efficacy.
9) Soil:
'Soil' is significant as it serves as the original habitat for the keratinophilic fungi isolated in the study. The choice of soil as a source reflects the natural environment from which these fungi can be studied, providing insights into their ecology, pathogenicity, and potential treatment strategies.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Comparative efficacy of four antimicrobials against keratophilic fungi’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Homeopathy, Drug evaluation, Comparative efficacy, Inhibition zone, Potato Dextrose Agar, Sensitivity Testing, Disc diffusion technique, Sabouraud dextrose agar, Miconazole Nitrate, Microsporum gypseum, Authors acknowledgment.