Antifungal Activity of Plant Extracts

The extracts of several plants have antifungal properties and are frequently used to treat various conditions. Taking plant extracts can have side effects and can interfere with other drugs you may be using. Always consult a health care provider to make sure a plant extract or herb is safe for you.

Tea Tree Oil

• In an experiment reported in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy in 2004, tea tree oil showed antifungal activity against a variety of fungi including Candida albicans, the fungus that causes thrush. The tea tree oil was able to perform antifungal actions by changing membrane permeability and fluidity and thus interfering with membrane function.

Neem Oil

• The neem plant is native to Myanmar, Malaysia and India. Its oil is extracted from the seed kernels of the neem fruit. Neem oil has antifungal properties and can be used on the skin.

Garlic

• Allium sativum, better known as garlic, has antifungal properties. According to an article on the University of Maryland's Medical Center website, taking a clove a day can help fight fungal infections.

Pomegranate

• University of Maryland's Medical Center website states that pomegranate gel has been shown to have antifungal properties and is effective in treating oral thrush.