Malassezia sp. causes skin diseases such as pityriasis versicolor, folliculitis, and atopic dermatitis. The present study aims to evaluate the antifungal activity of J. sambac or Arabian jasmine, a flowering plant abundant in the Southeast Asia against Malassezia sp. using disc diffusion and broth microdilution method. The methanol extract and essential oil from the flowers and leaves of J. sambac were, respectively, prepared using solvent extraction and hydrodistillation process. Skin samples from individuals with dandruff were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar overlaid with olive oil. The fungi that grew were observed microscopically, tested with Tween assimilation test, and cultured on CHROMagar (the chromogenic media pioneer) to identify Malassezia sp. Out of 5 skin samples, only 2 Malassezia sp. isolates were identified based on morphology and their ability to assimilate Tween. The inhibition zones of methanol extract of flowers and leaves of J. sambac and essential oil of flowers showed potential for antifungal activity with inhibition zones of 11.10 ± 1.92, 12.90 ± 1.68, and 13.06 ± 0.26？mm, respectively, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 80？mg/mL to 160？mg/mL and 50%, respectively. In conclusion, J. sambac may be used as an alternative treatment against Malassezia-associated skin infections. 1. Introduction Malassezia sp. is a type of glabrous fungus which causes infections of superficial layer of the skin. Malassezia species are normal flora found on the skin of 7 billion humans but they can be pathogenic causing the common skin disorder which includes pityriasis versicolor, folliculitis, and atopic dermatitis in humans [1]. In immunocompromised hosts, Malassezia can also cause systemic infections. Malassezia are lipophilic or lipid-dependent fungi requiring long chain fatty acids, essential for the growth of most Malassezia species, and are being supplied from the human skin lipids [2]. This lipid requiring property causes the highest density of Malassezia in the sebaceous areas such as the scalp, face, and upper trunk and the lowest density on the hands. Being a lipophilic yeast, therefore in vitro growth must be stimulated by natural oils or other fatty substances. The most common method used is to overlay Sabouraud dextrose agar with olive oil [3]. Reproduction of Malassezia sp. is by budding from a broad base present on the same cell pole (monopolar budding) [4]. Prolonged use of topical antifungals such as Itraconazole, Fluconazole, and Terbinafine to treat infections caused by Malassezia sp. has its drawbacks by
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