Evaluation of Inhibitory effect of Clitorea ternatia flower extract on the growth of Keratinophilic fungi isolated from Siliguri, West Bengal, India using Foldscope as a research tool

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Clitorea ternatia flower extract on the growth of Keratinophilic fungi isolated from Siliguri, West Bengal, India, using Foldscope as a research tool.

Methods: A genus of fungi known as keratinophilic fungi is important to the environment because they can break down keratin protein. These keratinophilic fungi can also cause cutaneous infections (dermatophytosis) of keratinized tissues in humans and animals.

Siliguri, situated in the northern part of west Bengal, has a latitude and longitude of 26° 42′ 36″ N and 88° 25′ 48″ E, respectively, and its tropical climate geographic diversity make it an area of interest. Six samples from various sites in Siliguri were collected using Foldscope, an incredibly affordable paper microscope modeled using origami, wherein some species of keratinophilic fungi were identified.

Results: Clitorea ternatia flower extract was prepared and assayed for the antifungal bioassay. There was a significant reduction in the weight of fungal mycelium and the diameter of the fungal colony.

Conclusion: It was concluded that Clitorea ternatia flowers can inhibit the growth of keratinophilic fungi responsible for many skin infections, and, as such, they can be a significant tool used within therapeutic intervention for dermatophytic fungus-related superficial skin disorders.