Antifungal Activity of Topical Microemulsion Containing Ziziphus spina-christi L. for the Treatment of Fungal Vaginitis

vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) caused by Candida albicans and other Candida species are high-risk event in patients admitted to hospital. Ziziphus genus is a rich source of medicinal compounds, effective for the treatment or prevention of some diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal effect of topical microemulsion containing Ziziphus spina-christi L (ZSC) extracts against Candida spp. Z. Spina-Christi was collected and extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus using the ethanol and methanol solvents. Microemulsions were formulated by varying the composition of surfactant (Tween 80) along with cosurfactant (propylene glycol), oil, and water and were characterized regarding their stability. The microemulsion without extract as placebo and the active microemulsion containing ZSC extract as active formulation were applied to test the antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei using well diffusion test. The optimal microemulsion was selected and then analyzed for average diameter of droplets, pH, viscosity and zeta potential. The microemulsion containing ZSC ethanolic extract had a significant inhibitory effect on the different species of Candida, but the most inhibitory effect was found against C. albicans. The results of this study indicate that the ethanol extract has interesting antimicrobial properties and can used for the treatment of fungal infections. More research is required to check this plant performance to treat the Candidiasis.