Antifungal Efficacy of Myrtus communis Linn

Abstract

Background: The ethanolic extract of Myrtus communis Linn. leaves was assayed in vitro as a growth inhibitor against opportunistic fungi such as Candida and Aspergillus species. Myrtus communis Linn. (Family, Myrtaceae) is an aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. It is native to the Mediterranean region. Objectives: This study aimed to assess antifungal activity (in vitro) of the ethanolic extracts of Myrtus communis leaves as a growth inhibitor against 24 clinical isolates of Candida, including C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis also three species of Aspergillus, including A. niger, A. flavus, and A. terreus. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic extract of myrtle leaves was prepared by maceration method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Myrtus communis leaves extract was determined by agar-well diffusion technique. Amphotericin B and clotrimazole were used as the positive control in this assay. Results: The minimal inhibitory concentration (MICs) values of Myrtus communis leaves extract ranged 0.625-5.0 µg/µL and 5-40 µg/µL against tested Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp., respectively. Conclusions: Results revealed that the ethanolic extract of Myrtus communis leaves have antifungal potency against both pathogenic tested fungi, and it can be used as a natural antifungal agent.

Inhibitory effects of different fractions separated from standardized extract of Myrtus communis L. against nystatin-susceptible and nystatin-resistant Candida albicans isolated from HIV positive patients

“…and Aspergillus spp. were shown against C. glabrata with MIC values of 0.625–5.0 μg/mL [ 23 ]. In a study conducted by Zabka et al., antifungal effects of different phenols were investigated.…”

Anti-helmintic Activity of Myrtus communis L. Fruit Ethanol Extract on Nematodes of Caenorhabditis elegans and The Determination of Possible Active Ingredients

“…In our study, the anti-helmintic activity of Myrtus communis L. fruit extract on C. elegans nematodes was investigated. Many medicinal effects of Myrtus communis L. have been mentioned in the literature [3][4][5][6][7]. In addition, there are studies showing the antiparasitic effect of Myrtus communis L. In a study, potent prophylactic effects of essential oils of Myrtus communis L. were shown in mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii, especially at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg [19].…”

Antifungal and antibacterial activities of polyherbal toothpaste against oral pathogens, In vitro

“…According to the literature, the essential oil of MCL has pharmacological activities, including antioxidant [ 8 ], antimicrobial [ 9 , 10 ], and antifungal activities [ 11 , 12 ]. There is evidence regarding the inhibitory activity of the essential oil of MCL against clinically isolated oral pathogenic microorganisms [ 13 ].…”