An In-vitro Investigation of the Anti-fungal Efficacy of Carica Papaya Leaf Extract Against Candida Albicans and the Synergistic Effect of the Fluconazole

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the anti-fungal activity of Carica papaya leaf extract against candida albicans
and its synergy with fluconazole.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of
Pharmacology, Darbhanga medical college and Hospital, Laheriasarai, Darbhanga, Bihar, India
from July 2021 to August 2021, 1 mg of plant extract powder was taken and mixed with 1 ml
of DMSO obtaining the concentration of 1 mg/ml. This assay determines the studied agent’s
capability to inhibit the growth of known micro-organism. Minimum Inhibitory concentration
is achieved by passing the sample through the method of successive dilution.
Results: The antifungal activity was not demonstrated with aqueous extract of papaya leaf
extract with increasing concentrations. In ethanolic extract of plant, demonstrated the
antifungal activity against Candida albicans, of which highest concentration showed significant
activity with zone diameter of 12.55±0.21 mm. The synergistic activity with Fluconazole and
plant extract showed highly significant antifungal activity with zone of inhibition of
13.88±0.78mm when compared with the standard drug (fluconazole) In this test, the plant
extract showed moderate antifungal activity with MIC of 300 μg/ml when compared to the control. This test also demonstrated the synergistic activity of the antifungal property of the
extract with MIC of 130 μg/ml.
Conclusion: The Carica papaya leaf extract has a significant antifungal property and exhibit
synergistic effect when used with fluconazole.