Anticandidal effects of shallot extracts against chronic candidiasis agents

Shallots are an important part of the diet of many population and there is long-held belief in their health enhancing properties. At least one episode of vaginal candidiasis is reported in up to 75 percent of women that Candida albicans is responsible for 80 to 92 percent of episodes of vaginal candidiasis in the world. The aim of this study was to determine anticandidal activity of shallot against chronic candidiasis agents. This study is an experimental study. With use of microdilution method, antifungal activities of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of shallot (allium hirtifolium) were tested against 33 candida species in vitro that isolated from patient with chronic candidiasis that referred to Mirza Koochak khan and Lolagar hospitals. The results showed antifungal activity of Allium hirtifolium against all the candida species tested and anticandidal activity of the alcoholic extract was much better than aqueous one. The results indicated that crude juice of shallot has anticandidal activity and might be promising in treatment of candidiasis.