It is said that about 10 percent of the adult population experiences nail fungus infections. This percentage increases as we grow older. These nail infections also known as onychomycosis may be challenging to treat. When you suspect that you have a nail fungal infection, it is crucial to consult with a podiatrist for early intervention.
There are various types of fungi. The symptoms depend on the type of fungus that caused the infection. It may appear as white chalky streaks or spots that are found on the nail surface. The more advanced type of infection may appear brownish or yellowish. It may also have a debris buildup underneath the nail. The nail may become crumbly when trimmed.
The most common cause of a nail fungal infection is microorganisms that belong to the group called dermatophytes, which are found on the skin, hair, and nails.
Fungal infections tend to develop in environments that are warm, moist, and dark. Blunt force trauma or repetitive trauma to the nail may weaken its nail structure, which makes it vulnerable to nail fungus. Healthy people often become infected by a fungus that they may acquire from walking barefoot around public places like swimming pools and changing rooms. Elderly people who suffer from health conditions (such as diabetes) that compromise their immune systems are also more vulnerable.
Diagnosis of the nail fungal infection is necessary for treatment to be provided. Oftentimes, this requires a nail sample to be sent to a lab for microscopy and fungal culture.
There are several options for nail fungus treatment. This depends on the microorganism that caused it as well as the severity of the infection. Oral antifungal medication must be taken for several months up to a year. A topical antifungal in the form of lotion, cream, and nail lacquer may also be prescribed by your doctor. In severe cases, permanent nail removal may be advised which will enable a new nail to grow.
1All about the Nut Grass (Cyperus Rotundus)
The nut grass is popularly known as the world’s worst weed. This is a highly invasive weed that is native to many regions of the world such as southern Asia, Africa, and southern and central parts of Europe. Nut grass is called by several names like java grass, purple nut sedge, coco grass, and red nut sedge. This plant is commonly found in crop fields and wastelands in tropical and temperate countries. Nut grass is known to be destructive to important crops because its roots give off a poisonous substance that kills other plants. Despite all these, nut grass is still used for its medicinal properties. Its tubers are also known for their high nutritional value.
Nutritional Profile and Chemical Constituents
The tubers of this plant are edible. They are also popular for their nutritional value. It is loaded with carbohydrates. Research revealed that nut grass was an important food source during prehistoric times. Its tubers are bitter, but they are loaded with trace elements, minerals, amino acids, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Based on studies, nut grass is known to contain vitamins B1, A, and E. Aside from this, nut grass is also known to contain high levels of various minerals like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, and magnesium.
As an Antifungal or Antimicrobial
Hydrodistillation of the rhizomes of nut grass resulted in yellow pale essential oils. When the oils were investigated, it was found to contain the following main components: caryophyllene, sesquiterpenes βselinene, α-selinene, α-cyperone, monoterpenes anethole, cuminaldehyde, stearic and palmitic acids, fatty acids viz., arachidic, and n-pentane. The antimicrobial activities of the essential oils from nut grass rhizomes are against the following pathogens: Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Shigella flexneri, and B. pumilus. A benzene extract of the rhizomes showed antibacterial activities against P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, and S. flexneri as well as antifungal activity against A. niger and C. albicans.
Other Health Benefits
Nut grass root has been of high value in the practice of traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicines due to their medicinal properties. Nut grass has been used for centuries in the prevention and treatment of various ailments. Some of its great health benefits and uses include the following:
Supports the Digestive System
Nut grass rhizomes have been used in traditional medicines in Asian countries for treating dysentery, indigestion, diarrhea, bowel disorders, intestinal parasites, and other stomach issues. The chemical compounds in this plant are known to effectively combat indigestion. Furthermore, nut grass also contains enzymes and active compounds that are capable of stimulating biochemical reactions, which support digestive health.
Helps Manage Blood Pressure
Studies exhibited that the alcoholic extract of nut grass is capable of reducing and persistently slowing the body’s blood pressure. This is why it has been used for years in traditional medicine for reducing high blood pressure.
Helps with Weight Loss
Nut grass has been investigated and established to prevent weight gain. In a study done on rats, the rats were given a daily dose of nut grass extract for 60 days. The rats revealed a significant reduction in their weight without any food changes. This means that nut grass is capable of preventing weight gain.
Supports Skin Health
Even though there is limited scientific evidence, the nut grass plant is known to help with skin lightening and reducing the impact of aging. Nut grass prevents the skin pigment melanin from forming. Extrapone which is a common formulation found in skin whitening creams comes from the powdered extracts of nut grass roots. This allows nut grass to lighten the skin naturally without incurring harmful and toxic side effects. Ayurvedic practitioners use various nut grass preparations for treating various skin conditions such as fungus infestation, itching, herpes, and rashes.
Has Anti-Spastic Activity
Nut grass is known to relax the muscles. A research study done on rabbits showed that the ethanolic extract of nut grass had been observed to relax the ileum not to mention produced a spasmolytic effect against contractions that are chemically induced.
Reduces Fever
Nut grass is known for its ability to reduce fever and body temperature. A study revealed that the alcoholic extract of nut grass has shown antipyretic activity against fever or in albino rats it’s called pyrexia.
