Comparison of the Effects of Juglans nigra Green Husk and Clotrimazole on Candida albicans in Rats

Abstract

Background: Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is known to have antimicrobial and antifungal effects in vitro. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of extracts derived from green-husked walnut with clotrimazole against Candida albicans in female rats. Methods: In this study, 35 female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups. A total of 4 groups of rats were infected vaginally with C. albicans and 1 group was not infected (negative control). The 4 infected groups received the following treatments: 2 groups received vaginal creams containing 2% or 4% of J. nigra extracts, respectively, 1 group received 1% clotrimazole, and 1 group did not receive any treatment (positive control). All rats received treatments for 2 weeks.

A Comprehensive Review on the Chemical Constituents and Functional Uses of Walnut (Juglans spp.) Husk

“…Black walnut or Juglans nigra ( J. nigra ) is a deciduous tree that is known as the eastern black walnut. This tree is indigenous to eastern North America, where it is grown in places such as South Dakota in the United States [82]. The detachment of its fruit takes place around October, consisting of a husk, a hard shell, and a kernel.…”

“…Abedi et al [82] investigated the effects of extracts obtained from black walnut green husk and clotrimazole on Candida albicans ( C. albicans ) in female rats. Their obtained results demonstrated that the growth of C. albicans was significantly inhibited in female rats that had been treated for one week with the prepared vaginal creams, which contained 4% of J. nigra extract, and had a similar effect to clotrimazole.…”

The effects of Ziziphus Spina leaves’ Hydro-Alcoholic Extract Vaginal Cream and Clotrimazole on Candida albicans in Wistar Rats

“…Two estradiol valerate doses were injected subcutaneously in the lower abdomen during the first and third days to suppress the rats’ hormonal systems. 4 After the second estradiol injection, 0.1 mL yeast suspension was injected into the vagina, and the rats were kept upside down for about 1 minute to ensure the inoculum.…”

“… 2 Previous investigations revealed that in different provinces of Iran, the frequency of VVC varies from 4.8% to 73%. 3 - 6 Although it is not a life-threatening condition, it can cause physical and psychological problems and deteriorate marital relationships. 1 The limited number of effective antifungal drugs is an excellent issue in treating fungal infections.…”

“… 3 Abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, rash, indigestion, allergic reaction, and severe skin reaction are all possible adverse effects of antifungal drugs. 4 On the other hand, long-time treatment with these drugs leads to acquired drug resistance. 7 Treatment of this disease is complex due to contributing factors and the risk of recurrence.…”