Antifungal activity of Peganum harmala seeds extract in vitro

Peganum harmala (Zygophyllaceae) is an intriguing herb with a long history of medicinal use. Antifungal activity of P. harmala seed extract against certain fungal species was investigated in vitro. Antifungal activity of the extract of P. harmala seeds was investigated against several fungal species using in vitro agar dilution technique. The fungal species included: Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans and Fonsecaea pedrosoi. P. harmala extract, diluted 2.5:1000, produced complete inhibition against microsporum and trichophyton species. The extract had a considerable antifungal activity. Further purification and extraction of the active principles (alkaloids) of P. harmala seeds might show a true antifungal activity comparable to standard antifungal drugs.