Mediterranean rockrose extract shows fungicidal activity against common skin infections
A polyphenol-rich extract from Cistus salviifolius, a Mediterranean rockrose species traditionally used to treat skin conditions, has shown fungicidal activity against several dermatophytes, the fungi responsible for superficial infections of the skin, hair and nails.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has revealed that an extract derived from the Mediterranean rockrose plant, Cistus salviifolius, exhibits fungicidal properties against common dermatophytes, the fungi responsible for superficial skin infections such as ringworm. Researchers from Miguel Hernández University of Elche, alongside colleagues from universities in Belgium and Portugal, tested the polyphenol-rich extract on various fungal species and found it particularly effective against Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis.
While the extract does not show antifungal activity against yeasts like Candida albicans, it has been shown to disrupt fungal cellular processes, reduce fungal load in infected human epidermis tissue, and protect the skin barrier without causing toxicity to healthy skin cells. Further research is needed to investigate the specific mechanisms behind the extract's activity and to confirm its safety and efficacy in humans.
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