Inhibitory Effect of Ginger Extract on Candida albicans

Problem statement: The fungal infections could be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. Candida albicans is the most frequent fungi in the oral cavity. Approach: The first step for treatment could be done using topical antifungal agents. Nystatine is a choice for mentioned usage but there are some problems in its using including: unfavorite taste, frequency of usage, etc. Finding better replacements is the subject of many studies. Results: This study was carried out to find an alternative for Nystatine. The study was designed based on laboratory investigations to investigate the antifungal activity of zingiber offcinale (Ginger) on Candida albicans. Candida albicanse (PTCC 5027, ATCC10231) was obtained from Iranian microbial collection and was confirmed by Germ Tube formation test. Ethanolic ginger extract was prepared. The antifungal activity of the extract was determined using Agar dilution and disc diffusion techniques. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test. Conclusion/Recommendations:The results showed that the ethanolic extract was effective on Candida albicans (2 mg mL-1) at the concentration of 1:5. The study indicates that ginger extract might have promise in treatment of oral candidiasis.