ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF CINNAMON - CLOVE MEDIATED SILVER NANOPARTICLES AGAINST Candida albicans

Background: Human infections caused by Candida albicans range from common oral thrush to fatal systemic superinfections in patients who are afflicted with other diseases. The antifungal actions of silver nanoparticles have been broadly investigated in comparison with other metals. Clove and cinnamon are recognised for their antimicrobial properties.

Aim: This study was conducted to assess the antifungal activity of cinnamon-clove mediated silver nanoparticles against Candida albicans.

Materials and Methods: The herbal powders were procured. An aqueous extract was prepared and centrifuged after maximum activity was noted by UV visible spectroscopy. Various concentrations of the silver nanoparticles containing cinnamon and clove combinations were added into the inoculated culture plates. The zones of inhibition were calculated by disk diffusion method.

Results: Cinnamon-clove mediated silver nanoparticles have good antifungal activity (10 mm-zone of inhibition) in their highest concentration.

Conclusion: Cinnamon and clove mediated silver nanoparticles were studied and their wider zones of inhibition were suggestive of good antifungal efficiency but not as good as the control. This new formulation can be incorporated into natural mouthwashes and probiotic lozenges for use against oral pathogens like Candida albicans, which is positively associated with oral thrush.