In Vitro Comparison of the Efficacy of Cumin Extract and Fluconazole Against Candida Strains

Background and Aim: Fungal infections are the most common opportunistic infections; when accompanied by widespread infections, such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), they cause a worldwide health crisis. Therefore, treatment of these infections is seen as one of the health challenges. Medicinal herbs can be used as rich sources of treatment due to their fewer side effects. Currently, Cuminum cyminum (cumin) is considered to have antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of cumin extract and fluconazole against Candida species in vitro. Materials and Methods: In this in-vitro experimental study, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of cumin were prepared through maceration. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of cumin against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were determined using the microdilution method. Fluconazole was simultaneously used as an antifungal agent for comparison. Results: Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of cumin were able to prevent the growth of Candida albicans at MICs of 100 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml, respectively. Both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of cumin were able to prevent the growth of Candida glabrata at 200 mg/ml concentration. Fluconazole was able to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata at MICs of 0.12 mg/ml and 0.03 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of cumin exhibited measurable inhibitory activities against Candida species.