Spirulina Platensis As “ANTIFUNGAL Agent” - A Prospective In vitro Analysis.

Introduction: Candidiasis is a common mucocutaneous fungal infection mainly caused by Candida albicans. Infection can occur in moist areas specially in skin folds, genitals cuticlea and also in oral mucosa. Oropharyngeal candidiasis will cause white plaques on oral mucosa. Now a days resistance is developing for all diseases. In that way when there is any resistance to regular antifungal drugs, natural herbs will be an excellent option to overcome the situation.

Aim: Antifungal property with minimum inhibitory concentration of Spirulina platensis (Spirulina) is evaluated against Candida albicans and also to find the zone of inhibition for Spirulina platensis (Spirulina) against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata.

Methods: Alcoholic extract of Spirulina platensis (Spirulina)was prepared. Zone of inhibition for Candida albicans and glabrata was performed by well diffusion method and antifungal property with minimum inhibitory concentration for Spirulina platensis (Spirulina) against Candida albicans was done by Agar Dilution method.

Results: Zone of inhibition of Spirulina platensis is present of about 25mm against C. glabrata, and 26mm against C. albicans and Minimum inhibitory concentration of Spirulina platensis (Spirulina) is also found at 4mg of alcoholic extract. The results are statistically significant(p<0.05)

Conclusion: Spirulina platensis can be used as an antifungal agent when traditional antifungal treatment is not working or in any cases of antifungal resistance.