ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF VITELLARIA PARADOXA (SHEA BUTTER) AGAINST SELECTED PATHOGENIC FUNGI CAUSING SKIN INFECTION

Dermatophytic infections caused by Tinea capitis, Tinea rubrum, and Tinea pedis are common skin diseases, especially in tropical regions. The search for alternative antifungal agents from natural sources has increased due to antifungal resistance and limited accessibility to conventional drugs. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of Vitellaria paradoxa (shea butter) against selected clinical dermatophytic fungal isolates. Phytochemical screening of shea butter was conducted, and in vitro antifungal activity against Tinea capitis, Tinea rubrum, and Tinea pedis was assessed using standard susceptibility methods. Zones of inhibition were measured at varying concentrations, with ketoconazole serving as a reference drug. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were also determined. Alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins were present, while saponins, glycosides, and reducing sugars were absent. Shea butter showed concentration-dependent antifungal activity against all isolates. The highest zone of inhibition (16.33 ± 0.58 mm) was recorded at 50 mg/mL against Tinea capitis, whereas the lowest (8.67 ± 0.58 mm) occurred at 6.25 mg/mL against Tinea pedis. Ketoconazole produced a higher inhibition zone of 20.33 ± 1.53 mm at 25 µg/mL against Tinea capitis. MIC and MFC values were both 3.125 mg/mL for all isolates. Vitellaria paradoxa exhibits significant antifungal activity against dermatophytes and may serve as a potential alternative or complementary agent in the treatment of fungal skin infections.