Evaluation of an Antifungal Property of Curcuma caesia a Traditional Herb against Candida Species: An In vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Candidiasis is a common mucocutaneous fungal infection mainly caused by Candida albicans. Infection can occur in moist areas especially in skin folds, genital cuticle, and also in oral mucosa. Oropharyngeal candidiasis will cause white plaques on oral mucosa. Nowadays resistance is developing for all diseases. In that way when there is any resistance to regular antifungal drugs, natural herbs will be an excellent option to overcome the situation. Aim: Antifungal property with minimal inhibitory concentration of Curcuma caesia (Kali haldi, black turmeric) is evaluated against C. albicans and also to find the zone of inhibition for C. caesia against C. albicans and Candida glabrata. Materials and Methods: Alcoholic extract of C. caesia was prepared. Zone of inhibition for C. albicans and C. glabrata was performed by well-diffusion method and antifungal property with minimum inhibitory concentration for C. caesia against C. albicans was done by Agar dilution method. Results: Zone of inhibition is present at about 21 mm against C. albicans and C. glabrata, Minimum inhibitory concentration is also found at 1 mg of C. caesia alcoholic extract. The results are statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: C. caesia can be used as an antifungal agent when traditional antifungal treatment is not working or in any cases of antifungal resistance.