Evaluation of the activity of in natura extract of Rosmarinus officinalis in Candida spp strains

Abstract

The Candida spp. has great pathogenicity in immunocompromised human beings affecting genital organs, mucosa of respiratory and oral tract, among other parts of the body; becoming increasingly more resistant to antifungal drugs and one of the options for treatment is related to the use of medicinal herbs, which have antibacterial and antifungal action. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of in natura extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis against five Candida spp. strains by experimental research in which were tested two different Rosemary extracts, being one made of the stem and the other of the leaves of the plant, against strains of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata. The rosemary presented inhibitory activity against strains with variation of inhibition related to different concentrations, with growth inhibition in all concentrations of the extracts tested against C. albicans and C. tropicalis. The C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata strains tested showed distinct results among themselves related to the growth inhibition and dilution proposed. Considering the results, it is possible to consider that R. officinalis in natura shows a relevant inhibitory activity against C. albicans and non-albicans Candidas.