Inhibitory Effects of Plant Extracts Containing Thyme, Clore and Cinnamon Compared to Nystatin On Candida Albicans. (Invitro) Abstract: Background and Aim: Advances in Science and considerable attention to health issues has led to an increase in use of medications. In recent years, plant extracts have been the focus of attention due to less side effects and higher cost effectiveness compared to chemical therapeutic products. The aim of this invitro study was to compare the inhibitory effects of plant extracts containing thyme, clove and cinnamon with nystatin on candida albicans. Materials and Methods : This experimental study assessed the antimicrobial effect of 3 plant extracts on Candida Albicans. Thyme, Cinnamon and Clove extracts were selected based on previous researches and traditional use. C.Albicans was cultured on sabouraud dexterose agar containing chloramphenicol. On each plate, one plant extract disc, one nystatin disc (aspositive control), one methanol and one blank disc (as negative controls) were placed. The mean diameter of non-growth halo around each plant extract was compared with the mean diameter of non-growth halo of positive control discs after 24 hours.Data analysis was done by ANOVA statistical test. Results: There was significant different between the diameter of non-growth halo around the plant extracts and nystation discs. (P<0.05). The diameter of non-growth halo in cinnamon discs (31/3) was smaller than that for nystatin discs (32/6) (p<0.000). Non-growth halo in discs containing Clove (27/4) and Thyme (13) were also smaller than Nystatin discs (32/6) (p<0.000). Conclusion: Thyme, Clove and Cinnamon exhibited antifungal effects on C. Albincans. Key word: Antifungal, Thyme, Clove, Cinnamon, Plant exteract, Nystatin |