Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Clove and Cinnamon Essential Oils against Candida Albicans

Authors

  • Ismail, H. Y. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Born State, Nigeria
  • Mustapha, A. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Born State, Nigeria
  • Ngoshe, I. Y. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Born State, Nigeria
  • Musa Ibn Abbas Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Born State, Nigeria
  • Adamu, A. Department of Applied Biology, Umar Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
  • Shettima, A. L. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Born State, Nigeria
  • Dan-Iya, S. A. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Born State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47430/ujmr.25103.017

Keywords:

Candida albicans, Antifungal, Clove, Cinnamon

Abstract

Study’s Excerpt:

  • Clove and cinnamon oils showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
  • Cinnamon oil was more potent, especially at 100% and 75% concentrations.
  • MIC for clove oil was 50%, while cinnamon oil required 100%.
  • Phytochemicals like eugenol and cinnamaldehyde contributed to efficacy.
  • Results support essential oils as natural antifungal alternatives.

Full Abstract:

Fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida albicans, pose a significant global health challenge, with rising incidences and emerging drug resistance complicating treatment strategies. This study investigates the antifungal potential of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) essential oils against Candida albicans isolated from oral swabs of children in selected communities in Maiduguri. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, such as eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, in both oils, which are known for their antimicrobial properties. The antifungal activity was assessed using disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) tests. Results showed that clove oil contained flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and phytosterols, while cinnamon oil exhibited phlobatannins and phytosterols. Both the plants’ essential oils exhibited antifungal effects, with cinnamon oil demonstrating slightly higher potency than clove oil, particularly at higher concentrations (100% and 75%). The susceptibility testing also revealed that clove oil exhibited a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 50%, whereas cinnamon required a full 100% concentration to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. At lower concentrations (<50%), both oils lost efficacy. The study also explored the concentration-dependent nature of their antifungal activities, indicating that these oils could serve as promising alternative therapies, especially in the context of antifungal resistance. The findings highlight the potential of clove and cinnamon essential oils as cost-effective, natural antifungal agents that could contribute to more sustainable treatment options for Candida albicans-related infections. Further research into their mechanisms of action, including effects on biofilm formation and cell membrane integrity, is warranted.

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Published

30-06-2025

How to Cite

Ismail, H. Y., Mustapha, A., Ngoshe, I. Y., Ibn Abbas, M., Adamu, A., Shettima, A. L., & Dan-Iya, S. A. (2025). Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Clove and Cinnamon Essential Oils against Candida Albicans. UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research (UJMR), 10(3), 158–164. https://doi.org/10.47430/ujmr.25103.017

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 3 (2025): Conference Special Issue, UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research (UJMR), Volume 10, Number 3, June 2025

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Ismail, H. Y., Mustapha, A., Ngoshe, I. Y., Musa Ibn Abbas, Adamu, A., Shettima, A. L., Dan-Iya, S. A.

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