Development of a Pharmaceutical Formulation Containing Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Extract for the Management of Oral Candidiasis

Abstract

Introduction: Oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by various yeast species, including Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata. Clove, a well-known plant in traditional medicine, has been used as an antiseptic remedy for diverse infections, including those affecting the oral cavity induced by yeasts and bacteria. The emergence of resistance to numerous antifungal agents among Candida species necessitates exploring alternative treatments. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of clove extract and develop a suitable pharmaceutical formulation containing clove extract for managing oral candidiasis. Method: The antimicrobial culture and sensitivity test were conducted using the agar-well diffusion assay, evaluating different concentrations of clove extract against Candida albicans. The minimum effective concentration was then formulated into a gel dosage form, and its antimicrobial activity was assessed, comparing it with miconazole oral gel. Result: The results showed that the prepared clove extract gel had antifungal effects on Candida albicans that were similar to those of the miconazole oral gel. The zone of inhibition for the clove extract gel was measured at 25 mm, while the miconazole gel showed a zone of inhibition of 27 mm. Conclusion: The results of this study show that clove extract gel may be an effective antifungal agent, especially against Candida albicans. This suggests that it may be a promising herbal alternative to conventional medicines for treating oral candidiasis.