Evaluation of antifungal efficacy of albedo extract of Punica granatum on Candida albicans - An in vitro study.

Introduction: The study aims to investigate the antifungal efficacy of albedo extract of Punica grantum on candida albicans by evaluating the inhibitory capacity of alcoholic albedo extracts by disc diffusion method and by comparing the antifungal efficacy of alcoholic extract of albedo with clotrimazole and ethanol.

Methods: Using a conventional disc diffusion method, the effectiveness of Punica Granatum albedo extract against Candida albicans was assessed and evaluated depending on the presence or absence of inhibition zones, as well as the average diameter of inhibition zones. Albedo extract of Punica granatum serial dilutions were prepared ranging from 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% and its antifungal efficacy was tested against Candida albicans in comparison with clotrimazole and ethanol.

Results: When compared to clotrimazole, the albedo extract of punica granatum showed significant anticandidal activity. The mean zone of inhibition of extract was recorded at 27.6 mm whereas clotrimazole was 21.6 mm and no zone of inhibition was recorded for ethanol. Statistically significant p value 0.015 was recorded within the different dilutions of albedo extract of Punica grantum which is less than 0.05.

Conclusion: The present investigation found that Punica Granatum albedo extract had greater potent antifungal activity when compared to clotrimazole and ethanol.