ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Candida albicans is a member of the normal flora of the skin, mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract. Vaginal candidiasis remains a significant problem in women OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop the antifungal agent from the medicinal herbs traditionally used in Korea. Method: In this study, the essential oil of eucalyptus, cedar wood, clary sage, orange sweet and eucapytol were examined for antifungal activities against C. albicans. RESULTS: 1. Eucalyptus essential oil and eucapytol showed antifungal activity against C. albicans. 2. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Eucapytol against eight strains and standard strains was 12.5 microliter/ml and 6.25 microliter/ml against two strains. 3. MIC of eucapytol was 25 microliter/ml against eight strains and 50 microliter/ml against two. CONCLUSION: Eucalyptus essential oil and eucalytol could be a candidate for a new antifungal agent for candidiasis and other fungal diseases.
Subject(s)
Candida , Candida albicans , Candidiasis , Citrus sinensis , Eucalyptus , Gastrointestinal Tract , Mucous Membrane , Plants, Medicinal , Skin , WoodABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Candida albicans is a member of the normal flora of the skin, mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract. Vaginal candidiasis remains a significant problem in women OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop the antifungal agent from the medicinal herbs traditionally used in Korea. Method: In this study, the essential oil of eucalyptus, cedar wood, clary sage, orange sweet and eucapytol were examined for antifungal activities against C. albicans. RESULTS: 1. Eucalyptus essential oil and eucapytol showed antifungal activity against C. albicans. 2. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Eucapytol against eight strains and standard strains was 12.5 microliter/ml and 6.25 microliter/ml against two strains. 3. MIC of eucapytol was 25 microliter/ml against eight strains and 50 microliter/ml against two. CONCLUSION: Eucalyptus essential oil and eucalytol could be a candidate for a new antifungal agent for candidiasis and other fungal diseases.