Abstract

MEDICINAL PLANTS AND THEIR PHYTOCHEMICALS AGAINST MICROBIAL SKIN DISEASES: AN EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW

Dr. Salka Debbarma, Dr. Abhishek Shah*, Dr. Bijita Majumder

Abstract

Background: Microbial skin diseases including bacterial pyoderma, dermatophytosis, and candidiasis are increasing globally due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), poor hygiene, and immunosuppression. Conventional antibiotics and antifungals are facing limitations due to resistance, recurrence, and side effects. Objective: This review aims to critically evaluate medicinal plants described in Ayurveda for Kustha Roga and their phytochemicals with proven efficacy against skin pathogens, with evidence from modern pharmacological studies. Methods: Literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and AYUSH Research Portal (2015-2026) using keywords: medicinal plant, phytochemical, antimicrobial, antifungal, skin disease. Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu) were also reviewed. Results: Seven plants showed strong, repeated evidence against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum spp., and Candida albicans. Their active phytochemicals disrupt cell membrane, inhibit biofilm, and modulate inflammatory pathways. Conclusion: Plant-based phytochemicals offer promising adjuvant or alternative therapy for microbial skin diseases. Integration of Ayurvedic rationale with modern pharmacology can lead to novel topical formulations.

Keywords: Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Skin Infection, Phytochemicals, Ayurveda, Kusthaghna, Curcumin, Azadirachtin.