Antifungal effects of the extracts of the shallots and artichokes on Candida albicans

Background and aims: Over the recent decades, the infections caused by the opportunistic fungus including the Candida albicans (C. albicans) have increased, thereby causing the high rate of diseases. With respect to the limitations of the treatment of the fungal infections and expensive antifungal drugs, researchers have been increasingly interested in finding anti-fungal drugs. This study aims to investigate the antifungal effects of the extracts of the shallots and artichokes on C. albicans. Methods: In this experimental research, the extracts of the shallot and artichoke were prepared using a rotary device. The inhibitory concentration against C. albicans was determined using incubation in media. Results: The results of the study showed that increased concentration of the extract increased the antifungal effects. The extract of the artichoke had higher inhibitory effect compared to the extract of the shallot. Moreover, as the extract was decreased the size of the fungi colony was increased. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that extracts of the shallots and artichoke were proper inhibitors for the C. albicans and it is hoped that herbal medicines and possibly new compounds for treatment of the fungal infections be discovered in future.

[1]  D. Grierson,et al.  Antifungal activity of Arctotis arctotoides (L.f.) O. Hoffm. and Gasteria bicolor Haw. against opportunistic fungi associated with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , 2012, Pharmacognosy magazine.

[2]  M. Aghazadeh,et al.  In Vitro Comparison of Inhibitory Activity of 10 Plant Extracts Against Candida Albicans , 2011 .

[3]  A. Mahmoudabadi,et al.  Anti fungal activity of shallot, Allium ascalonicum Linn. (Liliaceae), in vitro , 2009 .

[4]  Rahmani Zahra,et al.  FREQUENCY AND ETIOLOGY OF VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS IN WOMEN REFERRED TO A GYNECOLOGICAL CENTER IN BABOL, IRAN , 2009 .

[5]  D. Hassiakos,et al.  Prevalence of clinical vaginal candidiasis in a university hospital and possible risk factors. , 2006, European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology.

[6]  R. Goswami,et al.  Pattern of Candida species isolated from patients with diabetes mellitus and vulvovaginal candidiasis and their response to single dose oral fluconazole therapy. , 2006, The Journal of infection.

[7]  N. Akar,et al.  Genotype distribution of Candida albicans isolates by 25S intron analysis with regard to invasiveness , 2004, Mycoses.

[8]  H. Vainio,et al.  Allium vegetables and organosulfur compounds: do they help prevent cancer? , 2001, Environmental health perspectives.

[9]  F. Dalle,et al.  Comparative Genotyping of Candida albicans Bloodstream and Nonbloodstream Isolates at a Polymorphic Microsatellite Locus , 2000, Journal of Clinical Microbiology.

[10]  V. Candido,et al.  Allylsulfide constituents of garlic volatile oil as antimicrobial agents. , 2000, Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology.

[11]  K. Ishikawa,et al.  Inhibition of microbial growth by ajoene, a sulfur-containing compound derived from garlic , 1996, Applied and environmental microbiology.

[12]  B. R. Neal,et al.  A Prospective study of genital infections in a family planning clinic: 2. Chlamydia infection - the identification of a high-risk group , 1990, Epidemiology and Infection.

[13]  B. R. Neal,et al.  A prospective study of genital infections in a family-planning clinic: 1. Microbiological findings and their association with vaginal symptoms , 1990, Epidemiology and Infection.