Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

• Afrah Talib Abdullah
• kadhim F Kadhim

Department of Biology, College of Education, Qurna, University of Basrah, Iraq.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to isolate and genetically identify keratinophilic fungi associated with humans, test their susceptibility to nystatin, and evaluate the effectiveness of Methanol Extract (ME) from chamomile flowers against these fungi. No cytotoxic effects were observed in the extract cytotoxicity assay using human blood solution. The antifungal activity of the chamomile extract varied among different fungal isolates and extract concentrations. The extract exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on fungal growth, depending on the type of fungal strain and concentration. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the effects of the extract and the conventional antifungal medication (nystatin) on specific fungi. GC/MS analysis of the chamomile extract identified several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and essential oils. The presence of these bioactive components in the extract likely contributes to its high antifungal activity against the tested fungal infections.

Keywords

• GC/MS
• nystatin
• keratinophilic fungi

Main Subjects

• Biological sciences