Comparative analysis of anticandidal potential between Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon Cinnamon) leaf and bark extracts against clinically isolated Candida species

Abstract

Antifungal resistance has emerged as a major concern, hindering the treatment of fungal infections and prompting the development of new therapeutic options. Plant extracts have received attention for their potential as novel antifungal agents due to their various chemical entities and traditional use in indigenous medicinal systems. Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) has demonstrated promising antibacterial effects due to its extensive phytochemical profile. This study focuses on the antifungal properties of C. zeylanicum leaf and bark extracts against various Candida species, comparing their Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentrations (MFCs) to fluconazole, a conventional antifungal agent. Candida species tested included C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. famata, C. rugosa, C. dubliniensis, C. utilis, and C. guilliermondii. The obtained MICs depict that C. zeylanicum leaf extract has significant antifungal activity against numerous Candida species, with MIC values ranging from 0.0016 to 0.0102 mg/mL. In contrast, the bark extract had slightly higher MICs for most species, ranging from 0.0040 mg/mL to 0.0256 mg/mL. Fluconazole exhibited MIC values ranging from 0.0016 mg/mL to 0.0102 mg/mL for most species but was ineffective against C. glabrata, which was resistant to fluconazole. Notably, C. zeylanicum leaf extract has very low MICs against C. glabrata and C. krusei, indicating potency comparable to fluconazole. Furthermore, the MFCs of C. zeylanicum extracts demonstrate anticandida activity. MFCs in the leaf extract range from 0.0016 mg/mL to 0.1600 mg/mL, but in the bark extract, they range from 0.0040 mg/mL to 0.1600 mg/mL. These findings support the leaf extract's capacity to successfully kill Candida, while the bark extract likewise exhibits fungicidal activity across all tested species. In conclusion, C. zeylanicum leaf extract exhibits remarkable antifungal efficacy against various Candida species, indicating its potential as a natural alternative or adjuvant to conventional antifungal medications. The found efficacy against fluconazole-resistant species such as C. glabrata and C. krusei emphasizes the necessity of further investigation into C. zeylanicum extracts for therapeutic uses. Future studies should focus on understanding the mechanisms of action and performing clinical trials to validate these findings in real-world healthcare settings.