Antifungic Activity of Leaf Extracts of Psidium guajava in Candida Species

Abstract

Candida is an opportunistic pathogen of the oral microbiota of man. Immunological, chemical and mechanical changes can cause disruption of the balance between the fungus and the host which leads to the appearance of candidiasis. The antifungal properties of substances extracted from plants have been reported in studies conducted in several countries, including Brazil, holder of great biodiversity. This study aimed to test the antifungal activity of Psidium guajava, in Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. The tests were performed from recent cultures of microorganisms. Through the hydroalcoholic macerate of leaf, the crude extract was obtained the to be tested on cultures. As controls were used antimicrobials (Fluconazole, mouthwash of Malva sylvestris and chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12%). The plant extract inhibited the growth of yeasts, as well as the antimicrobial agents tested, but the presence of fluconazole in C. tropicalis did not inhibit their growth. Like mouthwashes, the extract was able to inhibit the growth of the fungus, indicating a view to therapeutic use in cases of oral candidiasis.