Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Peganum Harmala Extract Against Candida Species

Background and Aim: There are some rich sources of antifungals in medicinal herbs. They have general acceptance due to their low cost and insignificant side effects. The efficacy of Peganum harmala (P. harmala) extract against Candida species was investigated in this study.    Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, we used the maceration technique to obtain P. harmala aqueous and alcoholic extracts, and assess their antifungal activity against different species of Candida albicans (C. albicans), Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) and Candida krusei (C. krusei). We used the microdilution method to calculate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The tests were repeated in triplicate for higher accuracy. Results: The aqueous and alcoholic P. harmala extracts showed antifungal activity against C. albicans in 100 mg/mL concentration. The antifungal efficacy of P. harmala alcoholic extract against C. glabrata (MIC: 100 mg/mL) was higher than the aqueous extract (MIC:200 mg/mL). The antifungal efficacy of P. harmala alcoholic extract against C. krusei (MIC: 1.56 mg/mL) was higher than the aqueous extract (MIC: 12.5 mg/mL). Conclusion: The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of P. harmala were effective against all species of Candida particularly Candida krusei. The alcoholic extract of P. harmala was more effective than its aqueous extract against C. glabrata and C. krusei.