A combination approach using areca nut and ketoconazole for treating cutaneous candidiasis

Fungal infections caused by Candida are often associated with increasing rates of morbidity and mortality. It is a serious concern for patients with immunocompromised system. The resistance to Ketoconazole, a known antifungal agent is increasing at an alarming rate and a number of such cases have been reported in the recent years. In order to circumvent this problem, a study was carried out using ketoconazole-areca nut (Areca catechu L.) combination. When this combination was tested against Candida albicans, there was an increase in the antifungal activity of ketoconazole. The study can be explored further for the design of suitable topical formulations containing the above combination in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.