Antifungal Activity of Allicin Alone and in Combination with Azoles Against Candida Species

Mycopathologia. 2009 Nov 19. [Epub ahead of print]

In Vitro Investigation of Antifungal Activity of Allicin Alone and in Combination with Azoles Against Candida Species.

Khodavandi A, Alizadeh F, Aala F, Sekawi Z, Chong PP.

Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Candidiasis is a term describing infections by yeasts from the genus Candida, and the type of infection encompassed by candidiasis ranges from superficial to systemic. Treatment of such infections often requires antifungals such as the azoles, but increased use of these drugs has led to selection of yeasts with increased resistance to these drugs. In this study, we used allicin, an allyl sulfur derivative of garlic, to demonstrate both its intrinsic antifungal activity and its synergy with the azoles, in the treatment of these yeasts in vitro. In this study, the MIC(50) and MIC(90) of allicin alone against six Candida spp. ranged from 0.05 to 25 mug/ml. However, when allicin was used in combination with fluconazole or ketoconazole, the MICs were decreased in some isolates. Our results demonstrated the existing synergistic effect between allicin and azoles in some of the Candida spp. such as C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis, but synergy was not demonstrated in the majority of Candida spp. tested. Nonetheless, In vivo testing needs to be performed to support these findings.

PMID: 19924565 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

{mosgoogle}

{mos_sb_discuss:11}

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email this

Comments (1) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

...
written by Maff, November 23, 2009

Candida infections can be a serious problem for those of us with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue and related illnesses. This study provides further evidence that natural substances available as supplements enhance the efficacy of standard antifungal drug treatments. Recently oregano oil was found to enhance the effects of nystatin.

Not only that but natural substances can be effective even when powerful prescription medications are not. Another recent study found that eugenol, the main antifungal chemical in clove oil, was effective against Candida species which were resistant to fluconazole (Diflucan) - news story.