Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using a Combination of Aqueous Extracts of Allium sativum and Peganum harmala and Evaluating Its Effect Against Some Fungi Causing Superficial Fungal Infections

Background: Due to concerns about microorganisms’ widespread resistance, the development of new therapeutic approaches for combating pathogenic microbes is necessary. This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a composition of Allium sativum and Peganum harmala extracts and to investigate their biological activity against fungal species causing dermatophyte disease. Methods: The characterization of the biosynthesized AgNPs was performed using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antifungal effect of AgNPs was assessed using the microdilution method against pathogenic fungi, including Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton rubrum. Data were finally analyzed using SPSS software. Results: SEM analysis revealed AgNPs had a spherical shape with a size range of ۴۰-۴۵ nanometers. The biosynthesized nanoparticles showed significant antifungal effect, with minimum inhibitory concentration on T. rubrum, M. canis, and C. albicans reported to be ۷, ۳۱, and ۱۵ µg/mL respectively (P≤۰.۰۵). Conclusion: The results demonstrated that AgNPs synthesized using a mixture of A. sativum and P. harmala extracts exhibit significant antifungal effects against skin-related infectious fungi, suggesting their potential use as therapeutic agents in such infections.