In Vitro Anti-Candida Activity of the Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Heracleum persicum Fruit Against Phatogenic Candida Species

Background: Nowadays Candida albicans has become resistant to the toxic and expensive commercial anti-Candida drugs. Therefore, investigation for new anti-fungal agents is necessary. Objectives: The purpose of this survey was to investigate the in vitro anti-Candida activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Heracleum persicum fruit. Materials and Methods: The plant ingredients were extracted using 80% ethanol and the extract was screened against 46 isolated pathogenic Candida species such as C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis by agar well diffusion method. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values at 24 and 48 hours were 0.625 - 20 mu g/mu L for C. albicans, 0.625 - 40 mu g/mu L for C. glabrata, and 5.0 - 20 mu g/mu L for C. tropicalis. Conclusions: The results of this survey confirmed that tested plant extract had a potential anti-Candida activity. Hence, it is suggested to isolate and identify its active compounds in future.