Development of Drug for the Treatment of Athlete's Foot Using Cassytha Filiformis

Athlete’s foot, a common fungal infection primarily caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, affects millions of people globally. Conventional antifungal treatments, while effective, often come with side effects and high costs, necessitating the exploration of alternative natural remedies. Cassythia Filiformis, a parasitic plant known for its medicinal properties, has shown potential as a natural antifungal agent. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Cassythia filiformis extract in treating athlete’s foot and to compare its antifungal properties with conventional treatments. Using Soxhlet extraction with ethanol, the extract’s antifungal activity was tested against Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% through the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis identified bioactive compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol. The extract demonstrated significant antifungal effects, with the 15% concentration showing a zone of inhibition measuring 20 mm, comparable to terbinafine’s 25 mm. In vitro cytotoxicity assays on human keratinocyte cells indicated low cytotoxicity, suggesting the extract is safe for topical use. Stability tests confirmed that the extract based ointments maintained their properties over a three-month period under various storage conditions. Preliminary patient case studies reported notable improvements in athlete’s foot symptoms with no adverse effects. These findings suggest that Cassythia filiformis extract is a promising natural alternative for the treatment of athlete’s foot, with potent antifungal activity and a favorable safety profile. Further research, including extensive clinical trials, is recommended to fully validate its efficacy and safety.