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Research: MOTSEI and co-workers,
Listed in Issue 96
Abstract
MOTSEI and co-workers, Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Botany and Zoology, University of Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa, have screened traditionally used South African plants for activity against Candida albicans.
Background
Oral candidiasis, or infection with the fungus Candida albicans, is prevalent in AIDS patients. A number of plants used in traditional medicine to treat this were screened for their antifungal activity.
Methodology
24 South African medicinal plants were tested for activity against a standard strain and two clinical isolates of C. albicans.
Results
An aqueous extract of the bulb of Allium sativum was the most potent antifungal against the strains tested, followed by the leaves of Polygala myrtifolia, rhizome extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra, and an aqueous extract of the bulb of Tulbaghia violacea. The extracts of Alium sativum and Tulbaghia violacea were found to be stable for a week in the cold, but the other two preparations lost activity within a day. However the former two have an unpleasant taste and smell (garlic) and were therefore not judged to be useful as the smell would mark AIDS sufferers.
Conclusion
The plants used in traditional medicine, Polygala myrtifolia and Glycyrrhiza glabra, are being further investigated for their use in a potential anti-candidiasis mouthwash.
References
Motsei ML, Lindsey KL, van Staden J, Jaeger AK. Screening of traditionally used South African plants for antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 86 (2-3): 235-241, Jun 2003.
