Anticandidal effect of shallot against chronic candidiasis agents

Shallots are an important part of the diet of many populations and there is long-held belief in their health enhancing properties. The aim of this study was to determine anti-candidal activity of shallot against chronic candidiasis agents. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of shallot ( Allium hirtifolium ) were tested for in vitro antifungal activities against 33 candida species isolated from patient with chronic candidiasis who were referred to Mirza-Kochak-Khan and Lolagar Hospitals. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using broth microdilution method. Allium hirtifolium showed antifungal activity against all the candida species tested and anti-candidal activity of the alcoholic extract was very better than aqueous extract. The results indicate that crude juice of shallot has anti-candidal activity and might be promising in treatment of candidiasis.