Garlic Plant (Allium sativum) in Ethnomedicine for the Treatment of Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot): A Systematic Literature Review of Antifungal Activity Against Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Muh Faisal; Dea Numayang Sari; Yulli Fitriana; Della Hazma Aulya Permata; Destira Arlita; Devana Adinda Setiawan

Authors

Muh Faisal Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram
Dea Numayang Sari Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram
Yulli Fitriana Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram
Della Hazma Aulya Permata Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram
Destira Arlita Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram
Devana Adinda Setiawan Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram

Keywords:

Ethnomedicine, Plants, Skin Diseases

Abstract

Fungal skin infections such as tinea pedis are a common dermatological condition often caused by dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The use of medicinal plants in ethnomedicine, including garlic (Allium sativum), offers a potential alternative therapy due to its bioactive compounds that possess antimicrobial activity. This study aims to analyze the potential of garlic as an antifungal agent in the treatment of tinea pedis through a Systematic Literature Review approach. The research method employed a systematic literature review, with data sources drawn from scientific articles in the Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases published between 2014 and 2024. Articles were selected based on inclusion criteria covering studies related to the antifungal activity of Allium sativum against dermatophytes, specifically Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The review results indicate that garlic contains primary bioactive compounds such as allicin and ajoene, which exhibit antifungal activity through mechanisms that inhibit fungal growth and damage the cell membranes of dermatophytes. Thus, garlic has the potential to be developed as an alternative herbal therapy for the treatment of tinea pedis. These findings provide a scientific basis for the development of natural-based antifungal products and encourage further research on their formulation and clinical efficacy.

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