Abstract:
Achyranthes aspera, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Sri Lanka, exhibits antidermatophytic properties. This study
aimed to formulate and evaluate topical herbal gels incorporating A. aspera leaf extract for activity against Trichophyton
rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Gels were formulated with different concentrations of A. aspera leaf extract:
1% (A), 3% (B), and 5% (C). Physicochemical properties, including pH, viscosity, and spreadability, and antifungal
activity against clinical isolates of T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes were evaluated using agar well diffusion, with
ketoconazole as a positive control and 5% DMSO as a negative control. Stability was monitored over 15 days by assessing
changes in physicochemical properties. All formulations were green, homogeneous, opaque, and smooth, with a semisolid
consistency; they maintained a skin-compatible pH (6.5–6.9) and stable physicochemical characteristics throughout
the 15 days. All gels exhibited antifungal activity, with formulation C displaying the highest potency, producing zones
of inhibition of 23.33 mm against T. rubrum and 24.33 mm against T. mentagrophytes. In comparison, the positive
control yielded inhibition zones of 25.66 mm and 29.00 mm, respectively. In conclusion, the A. aspera leaf extract gel
demonstrates moderate antifungal activity, particularly the 5% formulation, suggesting its potential as an alternative
topical therapy for Tinea corporis. Further preclinical, clinical, and long-term stability studies are warranted.
