RESUMEN
Medicinal and aromatic plants are gift of nature and are being used against various infections and diseases in the world since ages. Species of the genus Bridelia stipularis var scandens is reported to be used traditionally for treating various oral diseases. However, the antimicrobial effect of these plant materials against oral pathogens is not proved. Therefore, we have done the present study. Aim is to find out the anticandidal effect of water extract of Bridelia stipularis against four common oral candidal pathogens. The leaves after identification and authentication by a botanist were collected, air dried, pulverized to fine powder using household blender. The water extract was prepared using cold percolation method. The standard Candida species, Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis obtained from Post Graduate Institute (PGI), Chandigarh was procured. Antifungal activity was determined by Kirby Bauer well diffusion method and Time kill assay. All four species of Candida showed variable results with diameter of zone of inhibition ranging from 12mm to 21mm on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with both 6 hour and 24 hour peptone water subculture. Time kill assay showed inconsistent results even after 24 hours of exposure with the crude extract of Bridelia stipularis. All four species of Candida causing oral infections are moderately sensitive to crude water extract of dried leaves of Bridelia stipularis.