Comparison of Antifungal Susceptibility Basil Leaves Extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.), Eugenol, and Nystatin against Isolates of Candida spp. as Important Agent causing Oral Candidiasis in HIV/AIDS Patient

Background: Oral candidiasis is an infection caused by Candida spp. in areas of the oral mucosa that are often found in HIV/AIDS patients. Due to increased antifungal resistance, it was important to find new antifungal candidates, especially from natural ingredients. One example was basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.), which had a major compound of eugenol that had an antifungal effect in inhibiting Candida spp. Purpose: To evaluate the comparison of the antifungal susceptibilities of nystatin, basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.), and eugenol against isolates of Candida spp. Methods: This study examined the comparison of the antifungal susceptibility of nystatin suspension at the concentration of 100 IU, basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) with doses equivalent to 800 µg/mL and 800 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL eugenol, and eugenol 800 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL against 40 stored isolates of Candida spp. from the oral cavity of HIV/AIDS patients which were reactivated. Result: The mean inhibition zone of nystatin for all isolates was 22.98 mm, while the mean inhibition zones of eugenol with doses of 800 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL were 17.07 mm and 15.89 mm, and the mean inhibition zone of basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) with doses equivalent to 800 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL eugenol were 14.87 mm and 14.01 mm. The inhibition zone of basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) and eugenol was significantly lower than nystatin (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) and eugenol have antifungal effects by the inhibition zone. The inhibition zone of nystatin was significantly higher compared to basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) and eugenol against Candida albicans and non-albicans isolates.