Korean J Med Mycol.  2010 Dec;15(4):157-164.

Antifungal Effects of the Extracts and Essential Oils from Foeniculum vulgare and Illicium verum against Candida albicans

• Park SH
• Seong I

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Candida albicans is a member of the normal flora of the skin, mucous membrane and gastrointestinal tract. Vaginal candidiasis remains a significant problem in women in childbearing age, Majority of the cases are caused by C. albicans and recurrence is common in spite of topical treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to develop the antifungal agent from the medicinal herbs traditionally used in Korea. METHOD: In this study, the extracts and essential oils from Foeniculum vulgare and Illicium verum were examined for antifungal activities against C. albicans. RESULT: Dichloromethane extracts and essential oils from Foeniculum vulgare and Illicium verum showed antifungal activity against C. albicans. One fraction from Illicium verum with antifungal activity was founf out as 1-methoxy-4-(2-prophenyl) benzene.
CONCLUSION
Dichloromethane extract and 1-methoxy-4-(2-prophenyl) benzene with antifungal activity from Illicium verum could be the candidate for a new antifungal agent for candidiasis and other fungal diseases.

Keyword

Illicium verum; Extract; Antifungal activity; Candida albicans

MeSH Terms

Benzene
Candida
Candida albicans
Candidiasis
Female
Foeniculum
Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Illicium
Methylene Chloride
Mucous Membrane
Oils, Volatile
Plants, Medicinal
Recurrence
Skin
Benzene
Methylene Chloride
Oils, Volatile