Background: Oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic infection that is presented in infants and young children. Candida albicans are the main causative species in oral candidiasis. Essential oils with their bioactive components were introduced to help in the treatment of oral candidiasis with minimal drawbacks.
Aim: To assess the antifungal effect of Moringa oleifera, Grape seeds, Tea tree, and Nystatin on Candida Albicans Strains in an in-vitro study.
Methods: Thirty-two samples were divided into four equal groups(n=8). Agar diffusion test was used in this study. Agar plates were inoculated with Candida Albicans suspensions, wells were made and filled with the Moringa, Grape seeds, tea tree oils, and nystatin. The agar plates were incubated at 37 °C and zones of inhibition around wells were measured after 24 hours, and 48 hours.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference between inhibition zone (mm) values of different oils (p < 0.001) after 24 hours, and 48 hours. The highest value of inhibition zone was observed in the Tea tree oil group while the lowest value was reported in Grape seed oil group.
Conclusion: Tea tree and Moringa oil showed promising antifungal activity while Grape seed showed minimal antifungal activity against candida albicans. The herbal extracts can be used in the future treatment of fungal infections with minimal side effects.