Effect of Cumin Seeds Extracts on the Sensitivity of Candida Albicans

Abstract

Background many studies have shown that treatment with antifungal drugs is unsuccessful due to the development of resistant species. Other studies found that ethanol and oil extracts of Cumin seeds have antifungal activity against Candida albicans species. Objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Cumin seeds (oil and ethanol extracts) on the sensitivity of Candida albicans species. Materials and Methods Candida albicans were isolated from patients, sub-cultured, incubated, and tested. Ethanol and oil extracts of Cumin seeds were prepared with soxholate extractor, evaporated by rotary evaporator then kept in a dark place until used. Results: All the dilutions of oil extracts caused inhibition in the growth of Candida albicans with an inhibition zone in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar Media (SDA) except the (0.75 and 1.5%). There were significant differences between all dilutions (p ≤ 0.05) except between (25% and 50%) and (50% and Nystatin), also all dilutions of ethanol extracts showed inhibition zone in the SDA media except (25%) and there were significant differences (p≤ 0.05) between all dilutions except between (50% and 75%), (75% and 100%) and (100% and Nystatin). Conclusions Both extracts affect the sensitivity of Candida albicans. Oil extracts of Cumin seeds were more active than ethanol extracts and control positive Nystatin.