Antifungal Potential of Combination of Papaya Seeds and Leaves Extract (Carica papaya L.) against Candida albicans

Candida albicans commonly resides in the mouth as part of the normal microbial community but can become a pathogen under certain conditions, causing various diseases such as pseudomembranous candidiasis, erythematous candidiasis, chronic hyperplastic candidiasis, median rhomboid glossitis, denture stomatitis, and angular cheilitis. Treatment for these conditions typically involves the administration of topical and systemic antifungal drugs. However, the use of topical and systemic medications may result in side effects such as burning or pain in the oral cavity, taste changes on the tongue, redness and itching in the treated area, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and dry mouth. Therefore, the search for alternative substances is necessary to address these issues. Papaya leaves and seeds are known to possess antifungal properties due to their content of flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids.

To prove the antifungal potential of a combination of papaya seed and leaves extracts against Candida albicans.

An experimental investigation employing a post-test only control group design. Dilution tests were conducted with six different concentrations (80%, 40%, 20%, 10%, 5%, and 2.5%). The data analysis utilized the Kruskal-Wallis test.

The findings indicate that the combination of papaya seed and leaves extracts has a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) at a concentration of 20% and a Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) at a concentration of 40%.

The combination extract of papaya seeds and leaves demonstrates antifungal potential against Candida albicans.