Antifungal Activity of Juglans regia (L.) Leaf Extracts Against Candida albicans Isolates

The objective of performed study was aimed at evaluating the antifungal potential of four extract fractions (methanolic, ethyl acetate, alkaloid, and hydrolyzed methanolic) derived from Juglans regia (L.) leaves against pathogenic Candida albicans strains. Furthermore, total phenolics and alkaloid content as well as the antioxidative potential of examined extract fractions were determined. Tested yeasts comprised 140 isolates from diverse biological specimens (oropharyngeal, rectal and vulvovaginal swabs, skin lesions, sputum, urine, and faeces), and one reference strain (C. albicans ATCC 90029). Methanolic extract from walnut leaves characterized by the highest anticandidal activity, the alkaloid fraction possessed a slightly lower antifungal efficacy, while ethyl acetate and hydrolyzed methanolic preparates inhibited the growth rate of examined fungal pathogens in the lowest degree. Additionally, it has been elucidated that all tested strains were susceptible for nystatin and amphotericin B, and only one yeast strain was resistant to flucytosine. On the contrary, the group of azole antimycotics were characterized by reduced effectiveness against the candidal isolates.