Crude ethanolic extracts of Piper betle leaves (Piperaceae), Alpinia galanga rhizomes (Zingiberaceae) and Allium ascalonicum bulbs
(Liliaceae) were tested against selected zoonotic dermatophytes (Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophyte)
and the yeast-like Candida albicans. A broth dilution method was employed to determine the inhibitory effect of the extracts and
compared to those of ketoconazole and griseofulvin. All extracts suppressed the growth of the fungi in a concentration-dependent manner.
Among the extracts tested, P. betle exhibited more effective antifungal properties with average IC50 values ranging from 110.44 to
119.00 lg/ml. Subsequently, 10% Piper betle (Pb) cream was formulated, subjected to physical and microbial limit test and evaluated for
antifungal effect. The disc diffusion assay revealed comparable zones of inhibition between discs of Pb cream containing 80 lg P. betle
extract and 80 lg ketoconazole against tested fungi at 96 h after incubation. Thereafter, the inhibitory effect of Pb cream markedly
decreased and completely lost effectiveness by day 7. In summary, the results supported the traditional wisdom of herbal remedy use
and suggested a potential value-addition to agricultural products. It was suggested that the Pb cream has potential therapeutic value
for treatment of dermatophytosis. However, clinical testing as well as improving