Antifungal Effect of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) and Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Extracts

Abstract

Medicinal plants serve as important raw materials in the development of new drugs. This study combined two extracts of mangosteen and pomegranate in different proportions and determined its effect against four fungi species (Candida albicans, Candida guilliermondii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Aspergillus niger). Experimental research utilizing randomized complete blocking design was used. There were 186 plates of which only 98 were valid. Treatments consisted of the different concentrations of the individual extract (100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, etc.) and combined fruit extract (90%:10%, 80%:20%, 70%:30%, etc. pomegranate: mangosteen). The zone of inhibition is the measure used in determining the growth inhibiting effect of the different treatments. Biosafety Clearance was complied. Results revealed that all ten concentrations of the mangosteen and the pomegranate extract possessed antifungal effect against Candida albicans and Candida guilliermondii. The 100 percent concentration demonstrated the largest zone of growth inhibition. None of the given concentrations of the extract demonstrated antifungal effect against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Aspergillus niger. When both fruit extracts were combined to determine its synergistic effect, the 90 and 10 percent pomegranate: mangosteen combination exerted the best activity demonstrating a 33 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Candida albicans which is comparable to the zone of inhibition exhibited by the Fluconazole against the same fungus. For Candida guilliermondii, all combinations were effective against the fungus. The combined extract is better than the pure ones. Researchers may try other possible methods of extraction, use other parts of the plants or solvents that can effectively extract active components.