Antifungal Activity of the Extracts from Galla rhois against Candida albicans / 대한의진균학회지

ABSTRACT

Hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water extracts from Galla rhois were examined for antifungal activity against Candida albicans isolated from the patients with recurrent vaginal candidiasis. Only methanol extract showed anticandidal activity and the methanol extract was fractionated through silica gel column. Each fraction had not antifugal activity but mixture of three fractions showed antifungal activity. The results showed that the methanol extract from Galla rhois had antifungal activity against Candida albicans and could be a candidate for new antifungal agent. 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 of childbearing age, majority of the cases are caused by C. albicans and recurrence is common in spite of topical treatment. 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 extracts from Galla rhois were examined for antifungal activities against C. albicans. Galla fhois was extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water respectively and serially. Silica gel column chromatography and thin layer chromatography were used to separate the fractions with antifungal activity. RESULTS: Only methanol extract showed the antifungal activity aginst C. albicans. CONCLUSION: Methanol extract from Galla rhois could be a candidate for a new antifungal agent against C. albicans.