In vitro antifungal effect of eugenol in combination with fluconazole against Candida sp.

Abstract

Aims: A combination of the antimicrobial drug with the herbal derived antifungal agent was exploited as alternative therapeutic approaches for infectious diseases caused by drug resistant strains. In this study, we determine the antifungal effects of eugenol alone and in combination with fluconazole against Candida sp. Methodology and results: Candida strains including fluconazole resistant (C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019 and C. albicans U821/10) and susceptible strains (C. tropicalis U624/10 and C. glabrata U71/1) were used in this study. By broth microdilution technique, eugenol exhibited antifungal activity with MIC and MFC against Candida sp. tested ranging from 0.5-1 mg/mL. The interaction between eugenol and fluconazole against Candida sp. was determined by chequerboard microtiter technic. Eugenol decreased the MIC of fluconazole against Candida sp. tested. No antagonism was observed in strains test. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: From these results, eugenol displayed a promising antifungal effect alone as well as combination with fluconazole against Candida sp.