Antifungal Effects of the Extracts and Essential Oils from Foeniculum vulgare and Illicium verum against Candida albicans / 대한의진균학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans is a member of the normal flora of the skin, mucous membrane and gastrointestinal tract. Vaginal candidiasis remains a significant problem in women in 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 is to develop the antifungal agent from the medicinal herbs traditionally used in Korea. METHOD: In this study, the extracts and essential oils from Foeniculum vulgare and Illicium verum were examined for antifungal activities against C. albicans. RESULT: Dichloromethane extracts and essential oils from Foeniculum vulgare and Illicium verum showed antifungal activity against C. albicans. One fraction from Illicium verum with antifungal activity was founf out as 1-methoxy-4-(2-prophenyl) benzene. CONCLUSION: Dichloromethane extract and 1-methoxy-4-(2-prophenyl) benzene with antifungal activity from Illicium verum could be the candidate for a new antifungal agent for candidiasis and other fungal diseases.