Dermatophytes are fungi that infest keratin-rich human tissues, such as skin, hair and nails. These fungal infestations, collectively known as dermatophytoses, are caused by various species of Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton and constitute an important public health problem. Dermatophytoses generally respond well to topical antifungal therapy. However, topical therapy may not be suitable for extensive infestations. The emergence of drug resistance has sparked a hunt for new

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... gal agents. Extracts of easily available plants, such as, Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. (Holy Basil), Cynodon dactylon Pers. (Bahama grass) and Cassia fistula Linn. (Indian Laburnum) were selected for the present study. The results indicate that the extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum (at 10, 15 and 20% concentrations) and Cynodon dactylon (20% concentration) inhibited the growth of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton verrucosum. However, at 15% concentration, Cynodon dactylon inhibited the growth of Trichophyton verrucosum only. Extract of the bark of Cassia fistula (20% concentration) inhibited the growth of Trichophyton verrucosum and was not found to inhibit growth of Trichophyton rubrum. The results of this in vitro study reveal that extracts of these plants exhibit anti-fungal properties and are prospective alternative inexpensive remedies for dermatophytoses.