Growth inhibition effect of Rubus coreanus Miquel on Candida albicans

Objectives In this study, the growth inhibition effect of Rubus coreanus Miquel on Candida albicans (C. albicans) was observed. Methods The Rubus coreanus Miquel was extracted with 70% methanol and concentrated with a rotary evaporator. Antifungal effect of Rubus coreanus Miquel extract on C. albicans was determined by paper disc diffusion method and standard plate count method. Seven different concentrations (2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 120 mg/ml) of the extract were tested by paper disc diffusion method. Two kinds of concentration (8, 60 mg/ml) of the extract were tested using standard plate count method on C. albicans with different incubating time (for 6, 12, 24 hours immediately after the cultivation). Morphological changes of C. albicans cells after exposure to the extract were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Results The Rubus coreanus Miquel extract showed an antifungal effect on C. albicans in 8, 15, 30, 60, 120 mg/ml of concentrations (P<0.05). The extract with 8 mg/ml of concentration showed about 30% of growth inhibition at 6 h and with 60 mg/ml it showed about 90% of growth inhibition at 24 h. SEM analysis showed damaged surfaces of C. albicans cells when treated with Rubus coreanus Miquel extract. Conclusions The Rubus coreanus Miquel might have the potential as a nobel growth inhibitory agent against C. albicans that causes oral infection.