ABSTRACT
In the present investigation, anti-Candida activity of three essential oils that is Betel leaf (Piper betel), Black cumin (Nigella sativa) and Curry leaf (Murraya koienigii) were screened against three human pathogenic species of Candida namely Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the oils ranged between 14.80 and 236 µl/ml while studied through the dilution method. The oils retained their anti-Candida activities even after heat treatment (at 450C, 600C, 1000C for 1 hour) and also on autoclaving. Black cumin leaf oil showed better anti-Candida activity against Candida albicans, resulting in an irreversible damage to the cells. The anti-Candida activity of these essential oils could be attributable to the membrane inhibition mechanism. The activity of the cells is reported to be microbicidal.