In vitro inhibitory effects of Rhus Coriaria aqueous and alcoholic extracts on Candida Albicans

Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by Candida species which occurs following the host's immunological weakness. Restrictions in treatment of fungal diseases such as side-effects of drugs and drug resistance have led researchers to new drugs, especially herbal medicines. The objective of this study was to compare the antifungal effects of extracts of Rhus Coriaria extracts on Candida Albicans strains. The specimens were randomly taken from vaginal mucus of women with a weak immune system and were cultured on SDA and Chrom Agar mediums. Then, Aqueous and alcoholic extracts from Rhus Coriaria were prepared by maceration method and antifungal effect of extracts of this herb was evaluated on strains of Candida through Disk Diffusion with a concentration of 62.5, 125, 250, 500 mg/ml. MIC and MFC was determined after 24 hours of culture. Data was analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis statistical method. Results showed that alcoholic extracts of Rhus Coriaria have inhibitory effect on Candida Albicans. The methanol extract of Rhus Coriaria showed the greatest anti-fungal effect as well as the least MIC and MFC value.The effect of methanol extract of Rhus Coriaria on the lack of growth of Candida Albicans strains was significantly greater than that in both the aqueous and ethanol extract of Rhus Coriria. (p<0.05). The aqueous extract had no anti-fungal compounds; but Alcoholic extract at high concentrations due to extracting antifungal compounds of Rhus Coriaria had inhibitory effect and could be used in traditional medicine more broadly against Candida Albicans yeast.