Phytochemical of Moroccan Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Chloroformic and Hexanic Extracts and their In Vitro Antifungal Activity Against Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Abstract

Dermatophytoses are common superficial fungal infections caused by keratinophilic fungi belonging to the Arthrodermataceae family. They attack the hair, skin, and nails of humans. Due to the emergence of resistance associated with some antifungal treatments, interest has gradually shifted to plant extracts as potential alternatives for the management of fungal infections. The study was aimed at identifying the major compounds of the chloroformic and hexanic extracts of Allium sativum and determining their antifungal activity against some selected dermatophytes. Dermatophyte strains were isolated and characterized at the laboratory from samples collected from patients. Allium sativum extracts were prepared using two solvents (chloroform and hexane) by maceration. Phytochemical screening of the main garlic constituents was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antifungal activity of chloroform and hexane garlic extracts was determined on Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum canis by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Phytochemical screening revealed that the chloroform extract was mainly composed of organosulfur compounds such as allicin, alliin, and diallyl sulfides. Whereas the hexane extract was mainly composed of 1,8-cineole and lysine. The in vitro study showed that both extracts possess moderate to high antifungal activity, with an MIC between 0.01 and 100 µg/mL. The antifungal activity of the chloroform extract is mainly attributed to organosulfur compounds, while the antifungal activity of the hexane extract is attributed to 1,8-cineole. The garlic extracts showed significant activity against the three strains tested: Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This inhibitory activity is mainly attributed to organosulfur compounds.