Study on anti – Candida albicans activities of the combination of Betel extract (Piper betle L. Piperaceae) and Thyme essential oil (Thymus vulgaris L. Lamiaceae)

Abstract

   Betel extract contains Hydroxychavicol which inhibits the growth of Candida albicans through inhibition of  DNA replication. Thyme essential oil was reported about anti – Candidal activity. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis in the cell membrane. Based on the principle of the combination of two agents that have different mechanisms of action in the treatment of infection, the study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy against C. albicans of the combination of betel extract and thyme essential oil. The results indicated that the combination of betel extract and thyme essential oil (ratio of 1 mg : 4 μL) synergistically interacted on inhibiting C. albicans ATCC 10231 in vitro and ex vivo models of permeability through nail. Besides, by ex vivo infected nail model, the research showed that the combination of betel extract 0.156 % (w/v) and thyme essential oil 0.625 % (v/v) killed the fungi. The results could provide basic information to develop some preparations (cream, gel, etc) that contain betel extract and thyme essential oil for the treatment of onychomycosis.