Study of the Cutaneous Toxicity and Antifungal Activity of Senna Podocarpa, A Plant Used to Treat Cutaneous Affection

ABSTRACT

The study aims to evaluate the cutaneous toxicity and antifungal activity of the hydroethanol extract of Senna podocarpa, a plant used in traditional medicine. This research is essential to determine both the safety of using the extract on the skin and its efficacy against various fungal infections. Following OECD Guideline 404 (2015), twelve Hyplus rabbits were treated with 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses of the extract to observe skin reactions such as erythema and oedema for 14 days. Antifungal activity was assessed using the double dilution slant tube method, followed by inoculation with Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Antifungal parameters such as MIC, MFC and IC₅₀ were determined. Senna podocarpa extract showed no dermal toxicity, with a mean irritation index (MII) of 0, indicating that it is neither irritating nor corrosive to rabbit skin. No skin lesions were observed and the fur of the rabbits regrown 24 hours after application. In addition, the extract did not affect the weight of the rabbits, with those given 500 mg/kg actually showing greater weight gain than those given 200 mg/kg. In terms of antifungal activity, the extract inhibited the growth of the fungi tested in a dose-dependent manner. The MIC and MFC were 6.25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL for A. fumigatus, 25 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL for C. albicans and 100 mg/mL for T. mentagrophytes.

Keywords: Senna podocarpa, antifungal, cutaneous toxicity.