Candida albicans is responsible for most oral and genital fungal infections, like thrush, diaper rash, athletes foot and vaginitis. Fungal infections may be mild, but Candida can also be life-threatening in immuno-compromised individuals, including people with AIDS and patients undergoing chemotherapy. Conventional therapy includes anti-fungal drugs like clotrimazole, amphotericin B and miconazole, but these may have unpleasant side effects, such as itching, burning, fever and stomach pain. Herbs can have potent anti-fungal properties and may be useful in eliminating Candida fungal infections. It is important to consult a professional before beginning herbal therapy and to be aware of potential herb-drug interactions.
South African Geranium
South African geranium, or Pelargonium graveolens, is an aromatic herb with strong essential oils. Essential oils have antimicrobial properties and are used to treat bacterial, viral and fungal infections. These oils can be useful, either alone or in combination with conventional anti-fungal drugs like amphotericin B, because Candida is becoming resistant to some of these drugs. A study published in the August 2008 issue of “Phytomedicine” compared the essential oils of tea tree, oregano and South African geranium to amphotericin B. The study found that South African geranium inhibited the growth of Candida and was the most effective oil of the three tested. The study also found that it had a synergistic effect in combination with amphotericin B—the minimum effective dose of amphotericin B was reduced when it was combined with the essential oil. Clinical trials are needed to address the efficacy on humans and to determine dosages.
True Myrtle
True myrtle, or Myrtus communis, is a small tree with white star-like flowers that is native to the Mediterranean. The essential oil contains potent terpenoids, including 1,8-cineole, a-pinene and linalool, which are aromatic and have antimicrobial actions. A study published in the February 2010 issue of “Phytomedicine” compared the essential oil of true myrtle to amphotericin B, which has potentially severe side effects but is often used intravenously in cases of Candida systemic infection. The study showed that true myrtle oil used alone inhibited the growth of Candida. When the oil was combined with amphotericin B, a synergistic effect occurred and less of the drug was necessary to produce anti-fungal results. Further research and clinical trials may assess the efficacy of true myrtle oil, alone or in combination, in humans.
Bur Marigold
Bur marigold, or Bidens tripartita, is a tall annual herb with bright yellow flowers native to Europe, North America and parts of Asia. Traditionally it treats a range of disorders, including excessive bleeding, skin problems, fevers, ruptured blood vessels and kidney stones. The plant is rich in flavonoids, coumarins, essential oils and polysaccharides, and it has diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. The essential oil from the flowers contains p-cymene, caryophyllene and humulene; and the oil from the leaves contains ocimene and alpha-phellandrene. A study published in the 2008 issue of “Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica” tested extracts and essential oils against Candida and several strains of bacteria. The results were mixed for bacteria, and the extracts did not inhibit the growth of Candida. The essential oils, however, showed strong anti-fungal action and inhibited the growth of Candida. Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanism for the anti-fungal effectiveness of bur marigold oils.
References
- “Phytomedicine”; The inhibition of Candida species by selected essential oils and their synergism with amphotericin B; Rosato A, Vitali C, Gallo D, Balenzano L, Mallamaci R; August 2008
- “Phytomedicine”; In vitro synergistic efficacy of combination of amphotericin B with Myrtus communis essential oil against clinical isolates of Candida albicans; Mahboubi M, Ghazian Bidgoli F; February 2010
- “Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica”; Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the extracts and essential oils of Bidens tripartita; Tomczykowa M, Tomczyk M, Jakoniuk P, Tryniszewska E; 2008
