The present invention refers to the application of extracts of Cymbopogon nardus in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions with antifungal activity and to the process of obtaining the referred to extracts as well as their use as active component of the referred to compositions employed in the treatment of mycoses. The invention is also with respect to the compositions containing the vegetal extract obtained from the aerial parts of a plant of the Graminae family with antifungal activity. Preferably the vegetal extract is obtained from the leaves of the plant. Even more preferably the plant used is Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle.