Hamid, Zubaidah
(2015)
Antifungal activity of three local Malaysian honeys on selected pathogenic fungi of otomycosis ; an in vitro evaluation.
Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
Introduction
Honey has been used as foods and medicinal products since ancient times. Its
antibacterial properties has extensively documented. Contrarily, limited antifungal
efficacy of honey was illustrated. Furthermore, in recent years, there are increasing in
the antifungal drugs resistance. This drives the need to pursuit for natural solution
which is more effective and safe. Honey, a natural solution attracted interest of its
potential antifungal effect. They are various types of Malaysian honey. However, to
date, no extensive studies on it antifungal properties have been conducted. Hence, this
study evaluates antifungal effect of three Malaysian honeys against two most common
pathogenic fungi of otomycosis. All honeys used in this study are unique. Tualang is a
multifloral honey. Meanwhile Akasia are extraflorial honey and Kelulut are honey from
stingless bee.
Objectives
To investigate the antifungal action of three types of Malaysia honeys (Akasia, Kelulut
and Tualang) against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. This study also
investigates honey with strongest antifungal effect.
Methodology and study design
This is a laboratory-controlled prospective study. Different concentrations of three types
of Malaysian honey studied in vitro for their anti fungal activity on fungal isolates of
Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Four different concentrations of SDA media
incorporated with honey; 5 percent (w/v), 10 percent (w/v), 15 percent (w/v) and 25
percent (w/v) act as media. The numbers of colonies on SDA media alone were
compared with SDA with honey. Statistical test of Paired t-Test and Wilcoxon Signed
Ranks Test applied.
Results
In vitro, all three Malaysia honeys used, has significant antifungal effects on two most
common pathogenic fungi of otomycosis. Tualang and Akasia have equal concentration
for antifungal effect towards both fungi at 10 percent (w/v). Meanwhile Kelulut already
demonstrate the effect at 5 percent (w/v). The antifungal efficacy is proportionate to
concentration of all three honeys proceeding to total inhibition. Total inhibition noted to
be equal for both Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, for each individual honey
except Akasia. Akasia need higher concentration for total inhibition of Aspergillus
niger; 15 percent (w/v) compare to Candida albicans at 10 percent (w/v). For Kelulut it
was at 10 percent (w/v) and Tualang at 25 percent (w/v). Among three honeys tested,
Kelulut demonstrates the strongest antifungal effect towards both fungi.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates in vitro antifungal activity of three Malaysian honeys against
two known pathogenic fungi of otomycosis. Hence, it has potentials as alternative
agents in the treatment of otomycosis.
Keywords : Madu Malaysia, Otomikosis, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans,
Tualang, Kelulut, Akasia
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