Antifungal activity of Propolis, Fluconazole and Chlorhexidine against Oral Candida albicans – A Comparative in-vitro Study

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the in-vitro antifungal action of propolis in contrast with the standard medications, fluconazole and chlorhexidine against Oral Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: MIC (Minimum inhibitory concentration) as well as MFC (Minimum fungicidal concentration) were attained from propolis, fluconazole and chlorhexidine against oral Candida albicans and GC-MS Analysis were completed. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Repeated measures ANOVA tests were used for comparison of quantitative data. Results: The mean zone of inhibition showed an increasing trend with increase in concentration of all the extracts. At all concentrations mean zone of inhibition was identified to be significantly highest with chlorhexidine. The mean zone of inhibition at 25mcg/ml concentration was found to be most noteworthy for chlorhexidine followed by ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Propolis. Conclusions: Propolis has an antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The mean zone of inhibition showed an increasing trend with increase in concentration. Candida albicans remained resistant to all propolis extracts at low concentration of 5 mcg/ml.