Antifungal Effects of Zataria Multiflora and Nigella Sativa Extracts Against Candida Albicans



Moghim H¹ ; Taghipoor S¹ ; Shahinfard N² ; Kheiri S³ ; Panahi R¹
Source: Journal of HerbMed Pharmacology Published:2015

Abstract

Introduction: Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. Recent studies suggest that the side effects of herbal drugs with significant therapeutic effects are far less than chemical drugs. This study was therefore, conducted to examine antifungal activities of Zataria multiflora and Nigella sativa extracts on C. albicans. Methods: Powders of Z. multiflora and N. sativa were macerated with ethanol 70% and evaporated at 38°C by rotary evaporator. The suspension of C. albicans was prepared according to McFarland at a concentration of approximately 0.5-2.5 × 103 CFU/ml. Testing was performed according to microbroth dilution in 96-well micro-dilution plates. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), MIC50%, MIC90% and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were separately evaluated by counting the fungal colonies for Z. multiflora and N. sativa. Results: The measured values of MIC, MIC50%, MIC90% and MFC of Z. multiflora on the C. albicans were 0.13, 0.38, 0.74 and 1.03 mg/ml, and those of N. sativa were 10, 27.7, 52.3 and 72.3 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicate that both Zataria multiflora and Nigella sativa extracts are effective against Candida albicans, but the former species has the highest antifungal activity. If the clinical trials confirm the results of this study, Z. multiflora, as a new antifungal agent by replacing chemical drugs can be used to develop antifungal medicinal herbs.