Anticandidal Activity of Punica granatum. Exhibited in Different Solvents

Abstract

Anticandidal activity of Punica granatum L.. extracts in ethanol, methanol, propanol, acetone, benzyl alcohol, 1,4-dioxan, and N,N.-dimethyl formamide (DMF) is reported. The selection of solvents was on the basis of their polarity. Growth inhibition using the agar ditch diffusion assay was determined on four different strains of Candida. species isolated from HIV-positive patients. Ethanolic extract showed activity against three Candida. species, whereas it was ineffective against Candida albicans. 1. The methanol, acetone, and propanol extracts were effective against all four Candida. species. The DMF extract was effective against Candida albicans. 1 and 2 and showed moderate activity against Candida albicans. 3, whereas it was ineffective against “Candida species. 1.” The 1,4-dioxan extract was effective against Candida albicans. 1, Candida albicans. 2, and Candida species. 1 and was ineffective against Candida albicans. 3. The benzyl alcoholic extract was ineffective in showing any kind of activity against any of the four candidal strains. These different extracts of P. granatum. were also compared with commercially available antibiotics such as nystatin, clotrimazole, and amphotericin B, and the natural plant extract proved to be better against some candidal species.