Effects of Iranian Spirulina platensis Extract on Microsporum canis Isolates

In recent decades, the prevalence of superficial fungal infections, including dermatophytosis, has notably increased. By determining the side effects and effects of using chemical and synthetic drugs, the use of medicinal plants with fewer side effects has been considered by human. The purpose of this study was to investigate antifungal activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Spirulina platensis on Microsporum canis isolates.

In this experimental study, Persian Spirulina platensis extract was prepared as a hydroalcoholic solution. The antifungal effect of different concentrations of algae extract was evaluated with disk-diffusion method on Microsporum canis isolates.

All Microsporum canis isolates were susceptible to hydroalcoholic extract of Spirulina platansis, so thatthe diameter of the growth inhibition halo was between 0.5 and 19 mm for all isolates. Most inhibitory effect of algae extract was the concentration of 160 mg /disc. Also, the results showed that Terbinafine, as a positive control, had significant difference with all concentrations of algae extract (P <0.05).

according to the results of this study and increasing resistance of pathogenic fungi to conventional antifungal treatments, it is suggested that more research is needed on Spirulina platensis to use its antimicrobial compounds in the treatment of infectious diseases such as fungi