Antifungal Activity of Nigella sativa oil against Candida albicans and Candida utilis

Abstract

Candida species, especially C. albicans, are major fungal pathogens causing infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, with treatment complications due to drug resistance. C. utilis is generally non-pathogenic and used industrially but can cause rare infections. N. sativa (black cumin) has medicinal properties, including antifungal effects, due to bioactive compounds like thymoquinone. These compounds help inhibit fungal growth and enhance immune responses. This study aims to investigate the antifungal properties of N. sativa against C. albicans and C. utilis, determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC), and assessing the percentage inhibition of diameter growth (PIDG).