Anti-Fungal Effect of Citronella (Cymbopogon Winterianus)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Essential oil has been scientifically proven that it contains antifungal properties. One of this is the citronella that fights off a number of common fungal complaints in the human body. Since an essential oil is safe to treat any fungal, this citronella ointment is the proven to possess antifungal qualities, hence it can be used as treatment. Nowadays, cases of fungal infections are very rampant. However, commercialized anti-fungal ointments remained to be very expensive. This prompted the researcher to formulate an ointment that can cure external fungal problems and provide a natural and affordable remedy and minimize or reduce the cases of fungal infections.

METHODS

The researchers used the experimental research design. Experimental design is a blueprint of the procedure that enables the researchers to test the hypothesis by valid conclusions about relationships between independent and dependent variables (Key, James P.) This suits the study as we experimented to formulate an ointment using citronella to cure the fungal diseases. The subjects of the study were persons with superficial fungal infections. To produce reliable and accurate results, the researchers decided to have twenty-four subjects with superficial fungal infections consisting of 15 students and 9 adults. The fungal diseases assessed were tinea versicolor and ringworm.

RESULTS

The ointments have different resulting color and smell based on the quantity of citronella oil used. They have the same texture since the same base was used. The citronella ointment can cure mild to severe fungal infections like tinea versicolor and ringworm. Further, using the 50:50 concentrations, 100 % of the respondents were cured after applying the ointment both in once a day and twice a day frequency. Results indicated that citronella ointment in 80:20 concentration, applied twice a day is effective. However, the 50:50 concentration applied once a day, is more effective and it cured the fungal infection in 5 days. When applied twice a day, the 50:50 concentration manifest a more rapid healing property.

DISCUSSIONS

The citronella ointment is more effective with a 50:50 concentrations and works faster on severe fungal infections like ringworm. The ointment can be used as an alternative to commercial anti-fungal ointments because it is cheaper but offers the same effectivity.