In vitro antifungal activity of ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract of mint leaves (Mentha piperita L.) against Candida albicans

Abstract

The oral cavity health of human can describe their health condition. The oral candidiasis disease caused by Candida albicans, an opportunistic mycoflora in mouth cavity, can be treated with several antifungal drugs including nystatin, ketoconazole, and fluconazole. Mint (Mentha piperita L) leaves are one of the herbal ingredients used as a refresher in natural mouthwash and known to have antibacterial activity. This study aimed to determine the antifungal activity of ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract of mint leaves against C. albicans. The mint leaves were macerated with ethanol and ethyl acetate solvents, macerate obtained were then evaporated on a rotary evaporator. Ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract of mint leaves were tested for antifungal activity against C. albicans using the Kirby-Bauer method. The concentration of extract used was 40%, 60% and 80% w/v and 25,000 μg ketoconazole used as the positive control, while 100% dimethyl sulfoxide used as the negative control. The results showed that antifungal activity of ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract of mint leaves against C. albicans was weaker than 25,000 μg of ketoconazole. The strongest antifungal activity of ethyl acetate extract found at 80% w/v concentration with 9.95 mm diameter of inhibition zone, while the inhibition zone diameter formed in 80% w/v ethanolic extract was7.65 mm.