Natural Antifungal: Garlic Extract's Activity Against Candida parapsilosis in Otomycosis

Abstract

Background: Otomycosis is a common ear infection with a high recurrence rate due to resistance to standard antifungal drugs. Alternative therapies are needed, one of which is using garlic (Allium sativum) which is known to have antifungal effects. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the activity of garlic extract (Allium sativum) as an antifungal against the growth of Candida parapsilosis fungus from otomycosis patients in vitro. Methods: A true experimental study with a posttest only control design using the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungisidal concentration (MFC). The sample consisted of 9 treatment groups, including garlic extract concentrations (6.25 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL), ketoconazole positive control, 10% DMSO control, and negative control. Data analysis uses the Kruskal Wallis and Post-Hoc Mann Whitney tests. Key findings: The results of univariate analysis showed significant differences in each treatment group with bivariate analysis showing a significant relationship between extract treatment on fungal growth inhibition in the growth inhibition of Candida parapsilosis fungus with p-value P=0.021 (P<0.05). The value of MIC was found at a concentration of 6.25 mg/mL, while MFC was at a concentration of 12.5 mg/mL with an inhibition percentage of 99.67%. Conclusions: Garlic extract has the potential as an alternative antifungal therapy against infections caused by Candida parapsilosis