Abstract

ANTIFUNGAL MEDICINAL HERBS IN SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE– A REVIEW

Devaki R.* and Santhosh Kumar R.

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Abstract

Globally, humans are co-habiting earth with plentiful ecosystems comprised of various classes of microorganisms that may be beneficial or harmful to them. Natural products, especially from plants, are known for their medicinal properties, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and anthelmintic activities. Fungal infections are the fourth leading infection Worldwide. Fungal infections are two types that are primary and opportunistic, that are candida and Cryptococcus. Studies have demonstrated an increased prevalence of opportunistic fungal infections for a reason such as chemotherapy, AIDS, organ transplant, and raised in the cancer incidence is associated with the immune system. The majority of the fungal infections are commonly seen in individuals working in agriculture and forest division. Invasive fungal infections are characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Dermatophytes digest keratin by enzyme keratinases affecting the keratinized tissues like hair, nail, and stratum corneum causing dermatophytosis. The dermatophytes are classified as Microsporum, trichophyton, and epidermophyton are the reservoirs of soil, animal, and humans. In the Siddha system, fungal infections come under 'Skin diseases’ which is a broad classification that includes a variety of skin infections. The Siddha medicines are prepared in the form of herbal, herbo-mineral, and herbo-metallic. Herbs are the chief sources of natural compounds which have therapeutic actions in controlling the severe pathogenic infections, which are used in the traditional system of medicines such as the Siddha System of Medicine and others. This review highlights the medicinal plants possess the antifungal activity and some of the Siddha medicines used for fungal infections.

Keywords: Fungal infections, Dermatophytes, Siddha, Antifungal medicinal herbs.