Skin mycoses have been a major problem affecting millions around the globe. The threat of resistance to synthetic antifungal agents however is a major obstacle in its management. As an alternative to these, a thorough investigation of natural products is being performed to develop medicines that are effective and safe. In this review, we described three antifungal herbal plants that are available in the Philippines, namely Senna alata (Linn.) Roxb. (akapulko), Allium sativum (Linn.) (garlic) and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (lemongrass). In vitro studies showed promising results that can be used as a basis for drug formulation for community use as well as commercial products. So far, there have been no reported toxic effects from these plants. The common ground for these plants’ mechanism of action was the effect of their phytochemicals in the cell membrane and cell wall organelles, inhibition of major biosynthetic pathways, and prevention of biofilm formation. Formulation and clinical studies also revealed promising results comparable to the synthetic ones.
Tinea ; Garlic

The persistence of human diseases challenges the current state of the discovery and production of synthetic drugs. Plants are recognized as a great resource to discover chemical compounds that can be used for drug development. In the Philippines, Ehretia microphylla (tsaang gubat) is recognized by the Department of Health as one of the ten recommended medicinal plants. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the traditional use, phytochemical constituents, pharmacologic activities as well as the non-clinical and clinical studies leading to the NIRPROMP formulation of the tsaang gubat tablet indicated for biliary and gastrointestinal pain. Among the phytochemical constituents observed were flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenes, and alkaloids. Evidence for other pharmacologic properties such as antibacterial, anti-angiogenesis, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, folliculogenesis, wound healing and anti-cancer activities are presented. Currently, tsaang gubat tablet has been granted a full patent for its invention as a tablet for relieving symptoms of biliary and gastrointestinal colic and is registered with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration for these indications. The tsaang gubat tablet is listed in the Philippine National Formulary after the conduct of in vitro, in vivo and Phase I-III clinical trials. Future platforms for research include the reformulation of the existing tsaang gubat drug for other indications, determination of the molecular mechanism of action and plans for plant conservation.
Phytochemicals ; Colic

Infections caused by invasive fungal species continue to rise due to various contributing factors including the changes in the environmental and weather conditions, lifestyle, the occurrence of natural disasters, and the weakened human immune system. Even though synthetic drugs effectively cure fungal diseases, their unwanted side effects, as well as the rapid rise in resistance, have compelled researchers to develop new antifungal agents. Several medicinal plants are folklorically known to have antifungal activities. Among the traditionally used antifungal herbal plants is Senna alata, commonly known as akapulko and ringworm bush. In the current review, phytochemical analysis and numerous non-clinical studies on akapulko have been performed and confirmed its activity against several fungi pathogenic to humans. Anthraquinone compounds seemed to be the major phytochemicals responsible for its antifungal activity. In the Philippines, clinical trials have also confirmed its utility as a topical agent in treating cutaneous fungal infections. Research gaps that need to be addressed include the determination of the exact molecular mechanisms of their fungal killing action.
Phytochemicals