Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Oral candidiasis remains a common opportunistic fungal infection, with increasing interest in natural antifungal alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of Salvia hispanica (chia) seed extract against oral Candida albicans, compare its efficacy with nystatin, assess their combined effect, and investigate cytotoxicity on WI-38 human fibroblast cells. Methods Antifungal activity was evaluated using broth microdilution and agar well diffusion assays, with nystatin oral suspension used as a positive control. Cytotoxicity of chia seed extract was assessed on WI-38 human fibroblast cells using the MTT assay. Results Chia seed extract demonstrated notable antifungal activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 31.25 μg/mL and an inhibition zone of 24.7 mm, comparable to nystatin (25.0 mm). The combination significantly enhanced antifungal efficacy, reducing the MIC to 15.62 μg/mL and increasing the inhibition zone to 29.3 mm (p < 0.05), indicating a synergistic interaction. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed a concentration-dependent effect, with an IC₅₀ of 172.57 ± 1.52 μg/mL, while concentrations ≤62.5 μg/mL showed minimal impact on cell viability. Conclusions Chia seed extract demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans with acceptable cytotoxicity and may serve as a potential natural adjunct in the management of oral candidiasis.

Download

Included in

Dentistry Commons

Share

COinS