Investigation of the antifungal effects of curcumin against nystatin‑resistant Candida albicans

Abstract

Background: Emergence of nystatin‑resistant Candida albicans (C. albicans) strains has raised some
concerns in the recent years. Recent scientific evidence proves that turmeric, especially curcumin,
has anti‑inflammatory and anti‑fungal activity. The aim of this study was the investigation of the
antifungal effects of curcumin against nystatin‑resistant C. albicans.
Materials and Methods: This in vitro, experimental study evaluated standard‑strain (ATCC
16201) and 10 nystatin‑resistant C. albicans strains. The antifungal activity and minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC) of curcumin were evaluated using the CLSI‑M27‑A3, and the MIC of curcumin
was compared with that of nystatin. The results were analyzed using the one‑way ANOVA.
Results: The MIC of curcumin was 15.6, 32.25, 15.6, 7.8, 32.25, 15.6, 15.6, 15.6, 32.25, and 15.6 μg/mL
for the 10 resistant strains and 62.5 μg/mL for the standard strain of C. albicans. Curcumin in the
above‑mentioned concentrations significantly inhibited the proliferation of nystatin‑resistant C.
albicans strains (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: According to this research, it was shown that curcumin with MIC value of
7.8–32.25 μg/mL has inhibitory effects on nystatin‑resistant C. albicans strains.
Key Words: Candida albicans, curcumin, nystatin, nystatin‑resistant Candida albicans