In vitro evaluation of the antifungal activity of three essential oils against candida albicans

Author: 
Vaishnavi Sivakali Subramanian., R.V Geetha and Anitha Roy

AIM: To evaluate the antifungal activity of Three essential oils against Candida albicans
BACKGROUND: Oral candidiasis is a condition in which fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of mouth. Candida is a normal commensal in oral cavity, but sometimes it can overgrow and cause disease. Oral candidiasis occurs when the C. albicans begins to grow out of control. Normally immune system uses good microorganisms to keep C.albicans and other bad microorganisms under control when this balance is disrupted, harmful fungi and bacteria begin to multiply.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: Essential oils of Thymus vulgaris, Trachyspermum ammi and Citrus sinensis L was subjected to Antifungal assay to determine its activity against Candida albicans by Agar well diffusion assay.
RESULTS: Thyme and Ajwain oil shows significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans at different concentration such as 40,80,100µl/ml. While orange oil did show antifungal activity but comparatively less.
CONCLUSION: Natural products are important source of new drugs which are having importance in modern medicine. This study shows the anti fungal activity of the essential oils – thyme oil, ajwain oil and orange oil against Candida albicans. Thus Oral candidiasis may be treated with thyme oil and ajwain oil after formulating them in to a proper dosage form with optimum concentration.

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DOI: 
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijcar.2017.2950.0150
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