Pharmacognostic and Antifungal Evaluation of Mitracarpus villosus Extracts against Dermatophyte Isolates from Children in Makurdi, Nigeria

 Dermatophytosis is a major public health concern, especially in tropical regions. Increasing antifungal resistance necessitates the search for novel agents. Mitracarpus villosus is a medicinal plant used traditionally for skin infections. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal potency of M. villosus extracts against dermatophytes isolated from school children in Makurdi, Nigeria. Clinical samples were collected from 384 primary school children with suspected dermatophytosis. Isolates were identified culturally, microscopically, and biochemically. M. villosus was extracted using aqueous, methanol, and ethyl acetate solvents via cold percolation. Phytochemical screening was performed qualitatively and quantitatively. The antifungal activity of extracts and standard drugs (Fluconazole, Ketoconazole, Nystatin, Griseofulvin) was assessed using agar well diffusion, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) assays. Data was subjected to ANOVA and DMRT. This was interpreted at P<0.05. A total of 156 dermatophytes were isolated. Microsporum canis (30.13%) and Trichophyton rubrum (27.56%) were most prevalent. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. Methanolic extract showed significant activity against Epidermophyton floccosum (19.67±0.67 mm inhibition zone). Fluconazole was the most effective standard drug. The mean MIC values for aqueous, methanolic, and ethyl acetate extracts were 50.00, 56.25, and 37.50 mg/ml, respectively. Mitracarpus villosus extracts possess notable antifungal activity against dermatophytes, validating its traditional use. The methanolic extract demonstrated promising efficacy, warranting further investigation for development as a topical antifungal agent.