Antifungal Activities of Unripe Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) Peels Extract in the Treatment of Skin Fungal Infection- Ringworm (Tinea corporis)

Ringworm, caused by dermatophytes, is a common fungal infection affecting millions of people worldwide each year. In recent years, there has been growing interest in natural remedies for the treatment of skin fungal infections due to concerns about drug resistance and side effects of conventional antifungal medications. Unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peel, a byproduct of the plantain fruit, has been identified as a potential natural treatment option for ringworm due to its reported antimicrobial activities. Phytochemicals identified and isolated from the unripe plantain peel included: saponins, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids and phenols. Saponins and terpenoids have the highest concentration under ethanol and water contents. Most of the phytochemicals, appear to be in high concentrations under ethanol content and they include: saponins, flavonoids, alkaloid, terpenoids and phenol. Ethanol and water contents recorded absence of steroids.  Macroscopic and microscopic examination of fungi were done from fungal skin infection, with the identification and isolation of four (4) fungi organisms: Trichophyton spp, Aspergillus spp, Microsporum spp and Candida spp. This work shows that all the four (4) isolated fungi are susceptible to ethanol extract and fluconazole. The results obtained during the course of 14 days revealed that all the four (4) isolated fungi are susceptible to ethanol extract and fluconazole and the water extract had MFCs (Minimum Fungicidal Concentrations) of ≥ 0.05 mg/ml for Microsporum spp, ≥0.01 mg/ml for Trichophyton spp and ≥ 0.25 mg/ml for Aspergillus spp and Candida spp. While these findings are promising, it is important to note that all studies were conducted in vitro, and further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using unripe plantain peels for ringworm treatment in clinical settings. Additional studies are warranted to determine the optimal formulation and dosage of unripe plantain peel extract for effective treatment.