Antifungal effects of organic and aqueous extracts of the Persian Gulf sea urchin (Echinometra mathaei) against three strains of pathogenic fungi

In the present study, antifungal effects of different components extracts in the Persian Gulf sea urchin Echinometra mathaei were investigated. It was used from fungi including Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis due to the pathogenicity and prevalence of them. The samples of sea urchin were collected from the coasts of the Persian Gulf, dissected, and extracted by phosphate buffered saline, ethanol and acetonitrile solvents. The antifungal activities of the extracts have been evaluated using the well diffusion method in two concentrations of 1500 and 600 µg/well. The antifungal activity of extracts was observed in the gonad and test as well as spin (against one of fungi strains). The extracts of oral segments did not show any antifungal effects. Considering to the results, the gonad and test of the sea urchin are suggested for purification of effective compounds be prioritized for future studies.