Evaluation of Anticandidal Effects of Allium saralicum

Background and Objectives: Candida species is one of the main fungal pathogens in immunodeficient, organ transplantation, and cancer patients. Resistance to antifungal therapy, is observed in candida species, such as Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis. For this purpose, screening of the medicinal plants and investigation of their antifungal effect is necessary. This study was conducted with the aim of in vitro evaluation of inhibitory effect of Allium saralicum on candida species. Methods: In this descriptive-comparative study, Allium saralicum plant was collected from Shahoo mountain in Kermanshah, and extracted using soxhlet apparatus. Antifungal activity of methanol and petroleum ether extracts, were investigated against C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. Well diffusion method was used as a screening method, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), were determined. Results were analyzed by nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: In this research, the highest inhibition zone of Allium saralicum extracts against all species, was observed in concentration of 250mg/ml, and inhibition zone diameter decreased with decrease in concentration. MIC and MFC results showed that C. albicans is more sensitive to the petroleum ether extract, while C. tropicalis growth was significantly inhibited by the methanol extract. The results of both extracts was equal for C. glabrata. Conclusion: According to the results of this research, methanol and petroleum ether extracts of Allium saralicum have antifungal activity against Candida species. Therefore, this plant can be used as a natural antimicrobial source.