Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Garlic (Allium sativum) Extracts Against Candida Species Isolated from Vaginal Swabs in Calabar, Cross River State

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is among the most common gynaecological infections affecting women of reproductive age in Nigeria, with Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species responsible for the majority of cases. Allium sativum (garlic), which is widely available and affordable across Cross River State, has been reported to possess antifungal properties attributed to its organosulphur compounds, particularly allicin. This study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of garlic obtained from markets in Calabar against Candida species isolated from vaginal swabs at a gynaecology clinic. Forty clinical Candida isolates were speciated by CHROMagar Candida and germ tube production, yielding 28 C. albicans and 12 non-albicans species. Antifungal susceptibility was assessed by agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Clotrimazole 1% cream served as the standard comparator. Allicin content was quantified by HPLC in both extracts. The ethanol extract produced significantly larger zones of inhibition than the aqueous extract against all tested isolates. MIC values for the ethanol extract ranged from 6.25 to 50 mg/mL, with C. albicans being more susceptible than non-albicans species. Allicin content was higher in the ethanol extract at 3.82 mg/g compared to 1.24 mg/g in the aqueous extract. While antifungal activity was confirmed, potency was lower than the clotrimazole standard. These findings support the ethnomedicinal use of garlic but indicate that further concentration and formulation are required for clinical application. Keywords: Allium sativum, antifungal, Candida, vaginal candidiasis, Calabar.