Antifungal activity of peruvian banana peel (Musa paradisiaca L.) on candida albicans: An in vitro study

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the antifungal activity of three concentrations of a hydroethanolic extract of the Musa x paradisiaca peel against Candida albicans strain ATCC 10231. Materials and methods: The agar diffusion method was used, and the culture medium used was Sabouraud agar. Petri dishes were prepared with concentrations of 10, 30, and 50% of hydroethanolic extract of the M. x paradisiaca peel; nystatin was used as a positive control, and 96% ethanol was used as a negative control. After 24 hours of incubation, each plate was examined, and the diameters (mm) of the growth inhibition halos were measured around each well using a digital vernier caliper. Results: The results showed that the antifungal activity of the extract varied, depending on the concentration, as shown using analysis of variance (ANOVA; p < 0.05). When comparing the different concentrations, it was found by Duncan test that the greatest activity was obtained at 50%. Conclusion: It was concluded that the hydroethanolic extract of M. x paradisiaca at 50% exerted a greater antifungal effect on the strain of C. albicans than did the extract at lower concentrations. Clinical significance: By knowing the antimicrobial effect of M. x paradisiaca, this substance can be effectively used in products aimed to cure candidiasis infection.