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 µg/µL for C. albicans, 0.625 - 40 µg/µL for C. glabrata, and 5.0 - 20 µg/µL 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.