A Comparative Laboratory Study on the Effectiveness of Aloe vera Extracts and Nystatin in Inhibiting the Growth of Candida albicans.
Subject Areas : Oral Medicine
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Abstract :
Background: Candida albicans is the most prevalent cause of oral fungal infection. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of different dilutions of Aloe vera water and alcoholic extracts in inhibiting the growth of oral Candida albicans compared to nystatin. Materials & Methods: This study was an experimental and laboratory investigation of a common strain of Candida albicans species in Iran. Different dilutions (1.56, 3.12, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/ml) of alcoholic and water extracts of Aloe vera and nystatin were prepared. The study measured the diameter of the inhibition zone of Candida albicans and assessed the impact of nystatin or Aloe vera extracts on this parameter. All data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, Post hoc Bonferroni test and t-test (α=0.05). Results: Concentration of 200 mg/ml of water or alcoholic extract of Aloe vera had larger non-growth halo. Water extracts were more efficient than alcoholic extracts in some dilution (p<0.001). A water or alcoholic extract of Aloe vera at a concentration of 200 mg/ml produced a larger non-growth halo. Water extracts were more effective than alcoholic extracts at certain dilutions (p<0.001). All water and alcoholic extract dilution of Aloe vera had better results than nystatin (p<0.001). Conclusion: The antifungal efficacy of water-soluble Aloe was significantly superior to alcoholic extracts and nystatin.