Evaluation Of Antifungal Activity of Selected Plant Extracts Against Candida krusei Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections
Keywords:
Antifungal activity,, Candida krusei,, phytochemicals,, plant extracts,, urinary tract infectionAbstract
This study evaluated the antifungal activity of Allium sativum (garlic), Allium cepa (onion), and Citrus limon (lemon) extracts against Candida krusei isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs). Plant materials were extracted using ethanol, chloroform, and hexane via Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify bioactive constituents. Urine samples from patients were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and isolates were identified using morphological and molecular methods (18S rRNA sequencing). Ethanolic extracts showed higher concentrations of phytochemicals, particularly alkaloids and flavonoids. The ethanolic garlic extract demonstrated the highest antifungal activity, with zones of inhibition comparable to ketoconazole. The findings suggest that solvent type significantly influences phytochemical yield and antifungal efficacy. These plant extracts, especially garlic, may serve as potential alternative antifungal agents.
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