Antifungal Activity and Phytochemical Characterization of Medicinal Plants against Trichophyton rubrum Clinical Isolates in Benue State

Background: Trichophyton rubrum is a major causative agent of dermatophytosis, particularly in tropical regions such as Nigeria. The increasing incidence of antifungal resistance and limitations of conventional therapies have prompted the search for alternative treatments, including medicinal plant extracts. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and antifungal susceptibility of selected medicinal plant extracts against Trichophyton rubrum isolates obtained from tertiary health institutions in Benue State. Methods: Medicinal plants including Thevetia neriifolia, Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa, Stereospermum kunthianum, and Mitracarpus villosus were collected, identified, and extracted using ethanol. Phytochemical screening was conducted to detect bioactive compounds. Antifungal activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method at varying concentrations (200, 100, 50, and 25 mg/ml). Standard antifungal drugs (fluconazole, ketoconazole, and griseofulvin) were used as controls. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were determined using broth dilution methods. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids in varying proportions across the plant extracts. All plant extracts exhibited antifungal activity against T. rubrum, with higher efficacy observed at increased concentrations. Mitracarpus villosus and Thevetia neriifolia demonstrated the highest zones of inhibition (25.3 mm and 24.7 mm, respectively, at 200 mg/ml). Among the antifungal drugs, fluconazole showed the highest activity (up to 46 mm). MIC values ranged from 25 mg/ml (fluconazole) to 100 mg/ml for some plant extracts, indicating moderate to strong antifungal potential. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that selected medicinal plants possess significant antifungal activity against T. rubrum, supporting their potential as alternative or complementary therapeutic agents. Further studies are recommended to isolate active compounds and validate their clinical applicability.