Antifungal activity of Tetradenia riparia essential oil against dermatophytes: effects of nanoencapsulation and molecular docking insights into CYP51 interaction.

Tetradenia riparia essential oil (EO) has emerged as a potential natural antifungal agent against dermatophytes. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of free and nanoencapsulated EO against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum, and investigated potential molecular interactions through in silico analysis. The EO exhibited concentration-dependent antifungal activity and inhibited hyphal elongation. Synergistic interactions with fluconazole and nystatin were observed, leading to significant reductions in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Nanoencapsulation in poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles preserved antifungal activity while improving chemical stability and reducing cytotoxicity. In an ex vivo nail infection model, both formulations reduced fungal growth and induced marked structural damage. Molecular docking analysis suggested that major terpenoid constituents may interact with the CYP51 binding site, providing preliminary mechanistic insights. Overall, these findings indicate that T. riparia EO, particularly in nanoencapsulated form, represents a promising candidate for further investigation as a topical or adjunctive antifungal strategy.