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Abstract
Onychomycosis is the most common fungal infection of the nails. It results in discoloration and thickening of nails. Conventional methods of treatment include oral and topical use of antifungals like nystatin, amphotericin B, clotrimazole, fluconazole, terbinafine. Oral administration of antifungal agents requires prolonged use resulting in significant side effects. Topically applied antifungal agents fail to penetrate the nail plate. Onychomycosis does not resolve spontaneously and even if successfully treated, tend to recur. The other option left is removal of nail. The aim of the present study was to prepare silver nanoparticles using Ocimum sanctum leaf extract. The formation of silver nanoparticles (10-100nm) was confirmed by a strong absorption peak at 423nm. In vitro disk diffusion method showed a concentration dependent zone of inhibition with the prepared nanoparticles. In clinical studies [duly approved by the institutional Ethical Committee (IEC), IEC 068], 21 patients suffering from onychomycosis were enrolled.