Efficacy of Medicinal Plants in the In Vitro Control of Candida Albicans

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of medicinal plants on Candida albicans. Theoretical Framework: Candida albicans is a yeast present in the human microbiota considered as an opportunistic pathogen, which in times of low resistance can invade tissues, organs and even cause systemic diseases. The resistance of C. albicans to antifungals has caused recurrences, requiring the search for therapeutic alternatives, such as the use of herbal medicines. Method: Infusions of Cymbopogom citratus, Citrus limon, Eucalipitus citriodora, Caryophyllus aromaticus and Origanum vulgare on Candida albicans strain were used. Minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations were used in the study. Descriptive statistics was used with the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test approach with Dunn's post-hoc multiple comparison test, with 0.05 significance. Results and Discussion: All infusions demonstrated antifungal efficacy against C. albicans, though effectiveness varied significantly by plant species and exposure time. While Citrus limon (lowest MIC: 5%) required extended exposure for complete eradication, Eucalyptus citriodora exhibited rapid initial action. These findings align with prior studies on essential oils but uniquely highlight infusions as accessible alternatives. Synergy studies are warranted to optimize therapeutic potential. Research Implications: Infusions of these plants could serve as low-cost, low-toxicity therapies for candidiasis, especially in resource-limited settings. Future work should validate efficacy in vivo and explore synergistic combinations. Supports Brazil’s policy promoting sustainable use of biodiversity in public health. Originality/Value: First comparative study of infusions (traditional preparation) against C. albicans, revealing time-dependent fungicidal kinetics. Demonstrates that infusions, not just essential oils, have clinical relevance, bridging traditional medicine with evidence-based practice.