Kills or reduces the growth/replication of fungus. In-vitro activity does not necessarly correlate with in-vivo activity. May function in-vivo by modulating the immune system, in which case should also be categorized as an immunomodulator [ORWJr].
In-vitro efficacy usually means that topical in-vitro effects are also seen.
"Topical" includes skin, nasal, sinus, oral, outer ear, middle ear (ear-drum is semi-permeable), vagina, rectum, colon [Bergner2021b]. [ORWJr - also lungs via nebulizer etc]. Not through the blood (dilutes the herb and subject to liver metabolism etc).
For best results, combine agents having all of the following properties [Bergner2021b]:
- Direct antimicrobial (bacteria/fungi).
- Efflux pump inhibition. Many plants disable microbial defenses.
- Anti-quorum/biofilm effects. Many plants prevent or disrupt biofilms.
- Immune stimulating effects. Local immunity (e.g. echinacea, myrrh).
- Modify local inflammation. Anti-inflammatory effects.
- Promote tissue repair. Vulnerary effects.
- Increase local circulation.
[Bergner2021b] Paul Bergner. Topical Antifungal Therapeutics with Western Herbs. Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine (2021). Ashland, OR. Herbal Education Services. BotanicalMedicine.org