Chemical Composition and Antifungal Effects of Nectaroscordum Tripedale Extract Against Some of Pathogenic Yeast Strains

Background: Several drugs are currently in use to treat fungal infections; however, recent studies indicate that the consumption of these drugs is associated with serious complications. This study was done to examine the chemical composition and antifungal effects of Nectaroscordum tripedale against several yeast strains. Methods: The antifungal activity of N. tripedale extract on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans, C. glabrata was examined via the assessment of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) according to the broth micro dilution technique (M27-A3 protocol). By means of gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), the major constituents of this extract were identified. Results: The findings exhibited that N. tripedale extract represents not only fungistatic but also fungicidal activity with an average MIC and MFC of 12.5 to 66.6 μg/ml, respectively, for tested yeasts. The results also demonstrated that decadienal (11.1%), hexadecanoic acid (10.3%), and heptadecane (9.5%), were the major constituents of this extract. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated the preliminary anti-yeast effects of this plant and suggest the use of N. tripedale for yeast infections in the traditional medicine. This study for the first time showed N. tripedale as a new antifungal patent to treat the candidiasis and other yeast infections; however, more studies are required to assess the precise anti-candida effects of this plant against other Candida spp. as well as in human subjects.