Antifungal activity of propolis extract against Candida albicans in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis

Abstract

Background: The aim was to evaluate the antifungal activity of propolis extract against Candida albicans (or C. albicans) in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Methods: The research presents a quantitative approach with an experimental design, with a population of C. albicans strains isolated from patients diagnosed with vulvovaginal candidiasis who were admitted to the Gynecology Service of the Maria del Socorro Clinic, district of Ate, Lima; a sample of 34 strains was chosen in total, considering three repetitions per strain, obtaining 102 experimental units. The antifungal susceptibility test was carried out by the disc diffusion plate method using a single concentration of propolis extract, with fluconazole as a positive control. Results: Propolis extract was shown to inhibit all strains of C. albicans, as was fluconazole, with the effect of the latter being significantly greater than that of the product under investigation. Conclusions: The conclusion is that propolis extract does show antifungal activity against C. albicans in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Biological Activity and Chemical Composition of Propolis Extracts with Potential Use in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Management

“…In particular, the ability of propolis to inhibit the growth of Candida species involved in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) has recently attracted the attention of researchers [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. VVC is typically caused by Candida albicans (around 90%), although cases of non-albicans VVC also occur and are usually more challenging to manage.…”

“…Hence, new alternative treatments are greatly required. Despite several previous reports on the potential application of propolis for the management of VVC [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ], the use of the crude residue lacks the potential to yield products that could be used in the preparation of reproducible or even safe pharmaceutical products. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) arises as a green alternative extraction method, its main advantages being low-cost equipment and better extraction time as well as lower energy requirements [ 29 ].…”