In vitro comparison of inhibitory activity of 10 plant extracts against Candida Albicans

Abstract

Aim: Because of scientific progression and paying more attention to health problem, using medical materials is increased. Because of the side effects, cost and difficulty of therapeutic-chemical materials production, using medical plants which have less side effects and are economically cost effective, have been recently taken into consideration. Researches on antimicrobial effects of plants assume certain importance. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the antimicrobial effect of 10 medical plants on Candida albicans. The following plants were selected: thyme, mint, garlic, cinnamon, chamomile, tea tree, clove, spearmint, sage and rosemary. These plants had been selected according to the medical traditional usage and previous researches. C. albicans was cultured in Sabouraud dextrose Agar containing Chloramphenicole. On each plate, one plant extract disc, one chlorhexidine disc and one nystatin disc; as positive controls; and one methanol and one blank disc; as negative controls; were placed. After 24 hours, the mean diameter of non-growth halo around every plant extract was compared with the mean diameter of non-growth halo of positive control disks by T test statistical analyze. Results: Non-growth halo in disks containing chamomile, garlic, clove, cinnamon, sage and thyme was observed. Cinnamon, garlic, chamomile, sage, clove and thyme had inhibitory effects on C.albicans. If similar results are confirmed in clinical trials, theses plant extracts can be used to produce new antifungal products.