The inhibitory effects of five commercial extracts (Allium sativum, Chamaemelum nobile, Thymus vulgaris, Zingiber officinale and Ricinus communis ) against Alternaria alternata were tested three concentrations (2.5, 5, 12.5 µl/ml) in vitro. T. vulgaris and R.communis extracts both exhibited the most effective antifungal activity against A. alternate with diameter of inhibition zones of 54 mm. The C. nobile extract exhibited a lower degree of inhibition 24.5 to 45 mm at three concentrations. The antifungal indices of T. vulgaris and R.communis extracts at three concentrations against A. alternata were all 98.14%, while this of C. nobile extract was 43.52% at 12.5 µl/ml. The results show that the five commercial extracts have potential for the development of natural antifungal agents, which could be an alternative to chemicals for control of phytopathogenic fungi on fruits or vegetables.

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To evaluate the antifungal activity of five commercial extracts against Candida albicans in vitro, five commercial extracts obtained from Allium sativum, Chamaemelum nobile, Thymus vulgaris, Zingiber officinale and Ricinus communis were tested at three different concentrations (pure, 1/2 and 1/4) for their antimicrobial activity against C. albicans using agar disc diffusion method. C. albicans was least susceptible to the commercial extracts. The diameter of zone inhibition ranged between 6 and 13 mm. Z. officinale and T. vulgaris extracts appeared to be the most active, while A. sativum, C. nobile and R. communis extracts exhibited most weak antifungal activity against C. albicans. These findings increase the possibility of exploiting these commercial extracts as a safe alternative natural preservative.