Antifungal activity of polyherbal extracts of lemon grass, barmuda grass, bamboo grass

Abstract

Fungal infections continue to pose a significant health challenge worldwide due to the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant fungal strains and the limitations of conventional antifungal treatments, including side effects and toxicity. This has led to a growing interest in natural remedies, particularly polyherbal formulations that combine multiple medicinal plants to enhance efficacy through synergistic effects. This study investigates the antifungal potential of a polyherbal extract composed of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), and bamboo grass (Bambusa spp.). Lemongrass is rich in citral and essential oils, which exhibit potent antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Bermuda grass contains various phenolic compounds and flavonoids known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Bamboo grass contributes additional flavonoids and phenolic acids with recognized antimicrobial effects. The extracts of each plant were combined and tested against clinically relevant fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium species. In vitro antifungal assays, including agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, revealed that the polyherbal formulation exhibited significantly higher antifungal activity compared to individual extracts, indicating synergistic interactions among their bioactive compounds. These results suggest that the polyherbal blend can target multiple fungal mechanisms, enhancing antifungal potency while potentially reducing side effects associated with synthetic drugs. This study supports the use of polyherbal combinations as promising, natural antifungal agents. Further pharmacological and clinical research is necessary to validate their safety and efficacy for therapeutic applications, particularly in regions with limited access to conventional antifungal drugs.