Volatile compounds of Salvadora persica inhibit the growth of oral Candida species

Abstract

Objective: The antibacterial effect of Salvadora persica has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. However, data on its possible antifungal effect is scarce. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the antifungal effect of solid or pulverized S. persica on clinically important oral Candida species in vitro.

Design: The antifungal activity of S. persica was examined against reference strains and clinical isolates of oral Candida species by two different methods. In an agar diffusion test, solid as well as pulverized pieces of S. persica were tested. Mounting the S. persica test specimens inside the lid tested growth inhibition by volatile compounds.

Results: S. persica exhibited antifungal activity against all Candida species tested. In particular, the volatile compounds of solid test specimens demonstrated strong growth inhibition, whereas pulverized S. persica revealed no antifungal activity. Parameters such as storage and incubation time as well as the diameter of the sticks influenced the growth inhibition.

Conclusions: Volatile compounds of S. persica have antifungal activity against oral Candida species. Storage time after harvesting may play an important role for the strength of this antifungal activity.

Keywords: Antifungal agents; Candida albicans; Medicinal plants; Microbiology; Oral hygiene.