Evaluation of the Antifungal Efficiency of Marco (Ambrosia arborescens Mill.) and Matico (Aristeguietia glutinosa Lam.) Asteraceae in an Antifungal Cream: Study of the Formulation's Self-Preserving Activity

This project focuses on the research and development of an antimycotic cosmetic formulation utilizing natural resources from Ecuador, specifically extracts from the plants Ambrosia arborescens Mill and Aristeguietia glutinosa Lam. The primary goal is to validate the antifungal activity of these secondary metabolites against common pathogens and assess their potential as self-preserving agents when incorporated into a base cream free of synthetic preservatives. The methodology involves extracting active compounds via maceration or percolation, followed by in vitro susceptibility testing using the agar diffusion technique (Bauer and Kirby method) against relevant fungal strains such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans, measuring the inhibition zone diameter to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Furthermore, the formulation of the base cream is detailed, incorporating emulsifiers, humectants, and pH adjusting agents. Finally, a Challenge Test is proposed to be conducted over 28 days to confirm the efficacy of the natural preservative system against key bacterial and fungal pathogens, aligning with the growing demand for natural and sustainable products.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of extracts from Ambrosia arborescens Mill (Marco) and Aristeguietia glutinosa Lam (Matico), and to determine their self-preserving capability when formulated into an antimycotic cream without synthetic preservatives.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Chemistry applied to life sciences