Invitro Investigation of Antifungal Effect of Sumac Methanolic Extract 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 drug resistance and side-effects increased interest towards exploring new drugs, especially herbal medicines. The objective of this study was to compare the antifungal effects of methanolic extract of Rhus Coriaria and nystatin on Candida albicans strains.

In this experimental-in vitro study, the antifungal effect of Sumac methanolic extract on Candida alicens strains was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test and broth microdilution method. In addition, MIC was performed on these strains using nystatin.

The methanolic extract of Rhus Coriaria did not show the ability to inhibit Candida albicans strains at5 low concentrations.  It exerted its inhibitory effect at least at 512 mg/L, while the effective range of nystatin was 0.016-0.125 mg/L. In addition, results of MIC, MIC50, MIC90, and G mean revealed lower values which indicated the higher inhibitory potency of this drug.

Methanolic extract of sumac exhibited inhibitory effect on Candida albicans at high concentrations and could be used in traditional medicine more broadly against Candida albicans yeast. However, the effect is weaker than that of nystatin.