Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Candida albicans has become resistant to the already limited, toxic
and expensive anti-Candida agents available in the market. These factors
necessitate the search for new anti-fungal agents.
METHODS: Sixty-three plant extracts, from 56 Tanzanian plant species obtained
through the literature and interviews with traditional healers, were evaluated
for anti-Candida activity. Aqueous methanolic extracts were screened for
anti-Candida activity by bioautography agar overlay method, using a standard
strain of Candida albicans (ATCC 90028).
RESULTS: Twenty- seven (48%) out of the 56 plants were found to be active.
Extracts of the root barks of Albizia anthelmintica and Balanites aegyptiaca, and
roots of Plectranthus barbatus showed strong activity.
CONCLUSION: The extracts that showed strong anti-Candida activity are worth of
further investigation in order to isolate and identify the active compounds.
