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Research Journal of Medicinal Plants

Year: 2012 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 56-64
DOI: 10.17311/rjmp.2012.56.64
Clinical Studies of Three Herbal Soaps in the Management of Superficial Fungal Infections
A.T. Oladele, A.A. Elujoba and A.O. Oyelami

Abstract: Superficial fungal infections could be worrisome in hot tropical climates; there is the need to develop affordable treatment option to stem the menace. We report the clearance effects of three (3) locally prepared herbal soaps (A, B and C) on superficial fungal infections in this study. Palm Kernel Oil (PKO) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) were used to constitute the soap base. A total of 67 subjects with pronounced superficial skin lesions were recruited, prepared herbal soaps were administered randomly on the subjects, monitored for four consecutive weeks and levels of lesion clearance monitored and recorded. Microscopic examination of the skin peels reveals the presence of Cryptococcus and Epidermophyton species. Results showed that the herbal soaps completely cleared the skin lesions without visible edge in the order A (61.1%), B (52.9%), C (31.6%) and Control (0.0%). Skin infections were found to be associated with socio-economic status of the subjects and were common among the young adults. Comparative statistical analysis of the means, using paired sample student t-test showed significant differences in the herbal soaps except between A and B 0.544 (p≤0.05). The 3% w/w concentration of soap A was found to have better prospect among the three tested herbal soaps. Cultivation of Senna alata was recommended for sustainable commercial production of soap A in a resource-limiting setting like Nigeria.

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How to cite this article
A.T. Oladele, A.A. Elujoba and A.O. Oyelami, 2012. Clinical Studies of Three Herbal Soaps in the Management of Superficial Fungal Infections. Research Journal of Medicinal Plants, 6: 56-64.

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