Thymus vulgaris, Syzygium aromaticum, and Cinnamomum verum Aqueous Extracts' In Vitro Antifungal Activity Against Cat-Isolated Candida albicans

Abstract

The effectiveness of aqueous extracts of thyme (Thymus vulgaris), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), and cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) against Candida  albicans isolated from cat oral cavities was assessed in vitro. The opportunistic yeast Candida albicans is frequently found in animals, such as dogs and cats, and infections brought on by this organism can be difficult to treat with traditional antifungal medications.Each plant's aqueous extracts were made at 0.5%, 1.5%, 3%, and 5% (v/v) concentrations and added to Sabouraud dextrose agar medium. Each medium was inoculated with a standardized C. albicans inoculum, and radial fungal growth was assessed following the incubation period.concentration-dependent way. When compared to the control group, all extracts showed partial suppression of fungal growth at lower concentrations (0.5% and 1.5%). There was a noticeable decrease in colony diameter when the concentration rose to 3% and 5%. Thymus vulgaris aqueous extract decreased the mean colony diameter from 80 mm in the control group to 42.67 ± 2.08 mm at the maximum concentration (5%). By contrast, the mean colony diameter was reduced to 24.00 ± 1.00 mm by the aqueous extract of Syzygium aromaticum and to 27.33 ± 2.08 mm by the extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum.Syzygium aromaticum and Cinnamomum zeylanicum had the highest antifungal activity among the plant extracts that were examined, while Thymus vulgaris had the lowest but nevertheless noteworthy inhibitory effect. These results are in line with the antibacterial qualities of these medicinal plants that have been previously documented.The study's findings lend credence to the possibility of using aqueous plant extracts as substitute antifungal medications in veterinary care. To assess their therapeutic efficacy and safety in clinical settings, more in vivo research is advised.