Anticandidal synergistic activity of Ocimum sanctum and fluconazole of azole resistance strains of clinical isolates

Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal pathogen in humans. It is the causative agent and most associated with serious fungal infection, accounting for more than 90% of cases. It is a most common cause of deep mycoses and vulvovaginal candidiasis. In the present study we found that methanolic extract of O. sanctum in combination of fluconazole shows higher zone of inhibition and lesser MIC values as compared to methanolic extract of leaves of O. sanctum or fluconazole when used alone. Synergistic antimicrobial activity was found when methanolic extract of leaves of O. sanctum was used in combination with fluconazole against C. albicans azole resistance strains isolated from catheter tip (CT) and high vaginal swab (HVS) (FIC ≤ 0.5). Partial synergistic activity was observed against urine (U). Methanolic extract of stem of O. sanctum in combination with fluconazole gave indifferent antifungal results (FIC = 1.0–4.0). Benzene extract of the leaf and stem of O. sanctum in combination with fluconazole showed indifferent antifungal results (FIC = 1.0–4.0). Aqueous extract of leaves of O. sanctum in combination with fluconazole showed partial synergistic antimicrobial activity against catheter tip (CT) and high vaginal swab (HVS) and urine (U) (FIC = 0.5–1.0). In the present study we evaluate the synergism of C. albicans against azole resistant clinical isolates. This study indicates clear evidence supporting the traditional use of O. sanctum in treating Candida infectious diseases.