Anti-dermatophytic activity of Drypetes gossweileri S. Moore, Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss, and Mentha piperita (L)

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of extracts from Drypetes gossweileri, Khaya senegalensis, and Mentha piperita, as well as their combinations, on the growth of Trichophyton species. After determining the chemical and polyphenol composition, each plant extract was assessed for its effects on the growth of dermatophytes. Combinations of plant extracts were evaluated using the checkerboard method, and the effects of the most active combinations were further optimized via full ternary and binary factorial designs. The ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts of K. senegalensis showed relatively high tannin contents (24.89 and 44.81%, respectively). Only the ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts of M. piperita contained flavonoids (8.75 and 21.46%, respectively). The ethanolic extract of D. gossweileri exhibited the greatest fungicidal effect against all three Trichophyton spp., with MICs ranging from 0.31 to 2.5 mg/mL. The combination of ethanolic extracts of K. senegalensis and M. piperita demonstrated synergistic effects against all Trichophyton spp. Specifically, the combinations (0.26, 0.62, and 0.31 mg/mL), (0.31, 0.62, and 0.26 mg/mL), and (0.31, 0.62, and 0.30 mg/mL) showed the greatest inhibitory effects on the growth of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton soudanensis, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, respectively. These extract combinations could be recommended for the management of infections caused by Trichophyton spp. Key words: Drypetes gossweileri, Khaya senegalensis, Mentha piperita, extracts, combinations, phytochemical study, antidermatophyte activity.