Bioactivity-Guided Investigation of Some Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh In Search of Active Principles Against Common Dermatophyte Strains

Abstract

Background: Fungal infections, particularly dermatophytosis, represent a significant global health concern, including in Bangladesh. Although numerous antifungal agents are available, the management of these infections has become increasingly challenging due to the emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains, a higher incidence of adverse effects, and poor cost-effectiveness. Given the growing issues of antifungal resistance, toxicity, and treatment costs, there is an urgent need to explore and evaluate the antifungal potential of naturally occurring medicinal plants found in Bangladesh. 
Objective: To find out newer antifungal principles from bioactive plants available in Bangladesh. 
Materials and Methods: It was an experimental study. The study was conducted from December, 2024 to August 2025. The study was carried out by Pharmacology lab; the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital (KYAMCH), Enayetpur, Sirajgonj situated in Bangladesh. At first Phytochemical investigation was done. For this, the five plant materials (Leaves of Achyranthes aspera and Dalbergia sissoo and also leaves & seeds of Cassia obtusifolia, whole plants of Eclipta prostata and leaves & fruits of Morienga oleifera) were collected and indentified. Then all parts of the plants were dried and dried parts were fine ground, weighed and labeled and preserved. Extraction of all plant materials was dissolved with MeOH for 7 days under room temperature. After 7 days all dissolved material were filtered and then crude extract were collected. Collected crude extracts were subjected the process of fractionation. A total 10 fractions were found and these fractions were further evaluated for biological activities. 
Results: From this study it has been observed that the methanolic extract of methanol fraction (100 μg/ml) and hexane fraction (100 μg/ml) of Dalbergia sisso that produced 20 mm and 10 mm area of inhibition respectively against common dermatophytes. Methanolic extract of Methanol fraction (100μg/ml) & Hexane fraction (100μg/ml) of Cassia obtusifolia produced maximum area of inhibition is 12 mm and 20 mm respectively. 
Conclusion: Experiments described in this article demonstrate that Dalbergia sisso and C.obtusifolia extracts exhibit the antifungal potential. Further studies are needed for isolation of bioactive chemical compound and development of new anti-fungal principles from Dalbergia sisso and C.obtusifolia leaves.

KYAMC Journal Vol. 16, No. 04, January 2026: 177-184.