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Tropical Medicinal Plant Extracts from Indonesia as Antifungal Agents against Candida Albicans
Almando Geraldi1,2,3, Andika Pramudya Wardana4, Nanik Siti Aminah1,4
1Biotechnology of Tropical Medicinal Plants Research Group, Universitas Airlangga, 60115 Surabaya, Indonesia.
Background:
Candida albicans is responsible for a wide range of medical ailments, from harmless cutaneous to life-threatening bloodstream infections. Growing cases of antifungal-drug resistance strains of C. albicans become a rationale to explore and develop novel anti-candida agents. In this paper, we assessed the anti-candida activity of the methanolic extracts of various tropical medicinal plants from Myrtaceae, Poaceae, and Zingiberaceae, commonly used in Indonesia to treat fungal infections.
Methods:
Candida albicans strain ATCC 10231 was used as a subject to assess the anti-Candida activities of plant methanolic extracts through disc diffusion assay. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were observed.
Results:
All plant extracts in this study showed antifungal activities against C. albicans. Among them, Cymbopogon citratus, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Curcuma aeruginosa, and Zingiber officinale var. rubrum showed the lowest MIC and MFC value of 3.8 mg/mL.
Conclusions:
The growth inhibition of C. albicans on disc diffusion assay was demonstrated by Z. officinale var. rubrum and C. longa, which were comparable to antifungal nystatin. Further investigation of the chemical constituents of the extracts and the cytotoxicity test is needed to further develop plant-derived anti-candida agents.
Insights
This study explored tropical medicinal plants for novel anti-candida agents due to rising drug resistance. Several plant extracts, including ginger and turmeric, showed significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Pharmacology
- Mycology
Background:
- Candida albicans causes diverse infections, from superficial to life-threatening bloodstream infections.
- Increasing antifungal drug resistance in C. albicans necessitates the development of novel therapeutic agents.
- Traditional Indonesian medicinal plants from Myrtaceae, Poaceae, and Zingiberaceae families are explored for their anti-candida properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-candida efficacy of methanolic extracts from selected Indonesian tropical medicinal plants.
- To identify specific plant species with potent activity against Candida albicans.
- To provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of these plants in treating fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Methanolic extracts of various tropical medicinal plants were prepared.
- Anti-candida activity was assessed using the disc diffusion assay against Candida albicans ATCC 10231.
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were determined.
Main Results:
- All tested plant extracts exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
- Cymbopogon citratus, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Curcuma aeruginosa, and Zingiber officinale var. rubrum demonstrated the lowest MIC and MFC values (3.8 mg/mL).
- Zingiber officinale var. rubrum and Curcuma longa extracts showed growth inhibition comparable to the antifungal drug nystatin.
Conclusions:
- The studied tropical medicinal plants possess significant anti-candida properties.
- Specific extracts, notably from Zingiberaceae family members, show promising potential as natural anti-candida agents.
- Further research into chemical constituents and cytotoxicity is recommended for developing plant-derived anti-candida therapies.
