The evaluation of antifungal effects of Althaea officinalis and Syzygium aromaticum aqueous extracts against Penicillium spp and Aspergillus spp isolates

Due to identification of antifungal drugs side effects and development of antifungal drugs-resistant fungi, there are growing interest to replace antifungal drugs with the herbal remedies that have antifungal properties. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal effects of Althaea officinalis and Syzygium aromaticum aqueous extracts on the two species of saprophytic fungi including Penicillium spp and Aspergillus spp. Antifungal effects were assessed at four different concentrations including 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/ml. The results of the present study revealed that Althaea officinalis and Syzygium aromaticum aqueous extracts have antifungal effects against Penicillium spp in all applied concentrations. Althaea officinalis aqueous extract had antifungal effects against Aspergillus spp at the concentration of 25 and 50 mg/ml, however, Syzygium aromaticum aqueous extract had an inhibitory effect on Aspergillus spp at all concentrations. The results demonstrate ameliorative effects of these herbal remedies on Penicillium spp and Aspergillus spp Furthermore, these results indicate that the antifungal effect of Syzygium aromaticum is greater than Althaea officinalis.