Mentha piperita extract, a potential antifungal agent against Candida albicans and Candida krusei

Abstract

Along with the increasing number of drug resistance of Candida sp. and also high mortality of candidiasis, a study on alternative treatments must be carried out. Mentha piperita is known to have potent antifungal activity. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the antifungal effect and its mechanism of action of Mentha piperita extract (peppermint oil) on the growth of Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and ATCC 90028, and Candida krusei. Peppermint oil was extracted from Mentha piperita leaf by steam distillation. Disk diffusion method was conducted according to CLSI M44 and germ tube test was done to assess its antifungal activity and mechanism. Inhibition zone of peppermint oil against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 was 31.67 mm, Candida albicans ATCC 90028 was 17 mm and Candida krusei was 43.67 mm. Germ tube test showed a reduction of germ tube formation with the increase of peppermint oil concentration (p=0.024). In conclusion, Mentha piperita extract has the potential to be developed as an antifungal against Candida albicans and Candida krusei. Its mechanism of action could be inhibition of germ tube formation.