In vitro study of the antifungal activity of natural products against Candida Albicans

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of three natural products: coconut oil, cinnamon oil, and propolis, against Candida albicans isolates from two types of human infections. The findings revealed that all tested substances exhibited inhibitory effects, with propolis being the most effective. It demonstrated the strongest antifungal activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.625 to 2.5 mg/mL. Cinnamon oil showed significant activity with MICs between 0.5% and 1%, while coconut oil had moderate effects (MICs from 2% to 2.5%). The synergistic combination of coconut and cinnamon oil produced intermediate activity, with MICs varying between 0.5% and 2% in some cases. Biofilm formation, a key virulence and resistance factor, varied among isolates: vaginal strains were more likely to form moderate biofilms, whereas some oral strains showed weak or no biofilm production. These results confirm the antifungal potential of natural products, especially propolis, and support their possible therapeutic use, particularly in the context of rising global antifungal drug resistance