An evaluation of new treatment options for candidiasis using natural products

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to evaluate new treatment options for candidiasis using natural products. It discussed clinical trials, which found that combination of two phytochemicals isolated from common food spices (anethole and polygodial) was able to suppress the growth of candida more rapidly and effectively than the conventional anti-fungal drugs, without any side effect. Candidiasis is the name given to common yeasts that live within human intestines and certain mucous membranes. We as humans are born with candida. They usually live in harmony with other intestinal fauna in our body when kept in check by acidophilus and other beneficial micro flora. In the absence of these checks, candida would grow rapidly and its overgrowth has been suggested as the origin of a complex medical syndrome called chronic Candidiasis also known as thrush. Family doctors either remain sceptical about intestinal Candidiasis or prescribe anti-fungal drugs with unpleasant side effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth and nausea. Scientists have found that these natural products could treat the condition without the side effects. In conclusion, the paper recommended that the natural treatment should be followed by drinking lots of water, eating diets low in carbohydrate but high in fibre and supplementing with acidophilus to stop recurrence of candidiasis. Keywords: candidiasis, natural products, Pimpella anisum, polygodial, Pseudowintera colorata Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol. 9 2005: 11-13