Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Action of Aloe vera and Garlic Against Candidal Albicans in Clinical Isolates

 Corresponding author: Akinleye Oludele Mathew Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0. Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Action of Aloe vera and Garlic Against Candidal Albicans in Clinical Isolates Ramoni Tiamiyu Adebisi 1, Oludele Mathew Akinleye 2, *, Adekunle Akinola Fowotade 3, Falitat Funke Ogundare 4 and Olufemi Margret Ibikunle 5 1 Department of Biological Science, Lead City University, Ibadan. 2 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. 3 Department of Pathology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State. 4 Department of Chemical Pathology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja. 5 Department of Medical Laboratory Science Lagos State College of Medicine, Ikeja. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(03), 358-365 Publication history: Received on 11 August 2025; revised on 30 November 2025; accepted on 03 December 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.28.3.3261 Abstract Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that commonly causes infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. It is responsible for various infections, including oral thrush, vaginal candidiasis, and systemic candidiasis with mortality rate of 25-60% in systemic candidemia Herbal drugs have found wide spread use in many countries because they are easily, available, cheaper, and safer than synthetics drug (Wanjari & Wanjari, 2019). According to World Health Organization (WHO) about 80% of people worldwide are currently depending on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs. The aim of our study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of garlic (Allium Sativum) and Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis millar) extracts against Candida albicans. Zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters to determine antifungal activity. It is concluded that garlic extract is more effective than aloe vera in inhibiting the grow of Candida alblicans. Keywords: Aloe vera; Garlic; Candida alblicans; Anti-fungal agents 1. Introduction Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that commonly causes infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. It is responsible for various infections, including oral thrush, vaginal candidiasis, and systemic candidiasis with mortality rate of 25-60% in systemic candidemia (Gow & Yadav, 2017). Allium sativum commonly known as garlic which belongs to a family of Alliaceae, has more than 500 species in 30 genera (So et al., 2021). It is widely used in culinary and medicine; it has been utilized to fight infection such as cough, cold asthma, diarrhoea, flu, headache sore throat, abdominal discomfort and respiratory infection (Jiang, 2019). Garlic is probably one of the earliest known medicinal plants, which used for ancient time to cure different disease condition in human due to antimicrobial effects of its active ingredient like allicin. Several studies have demonstrated that garlic exhibits antifungal activity against Candida albicans by reducing cell viability, inhibiting hyphal formation, and impairing biofilm development (Shuford et al., 2015). According to Surah of Al-Baqarah, verse 61, Allium sativum (Garlic) is one of the plants that the Quran recommends as a nutrient. According to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Allium sativum (Garlic) World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(03), 358-365 359 may treat seventy illnesses. Medical study has verified his claims regarding the therapeutic qualities of certain plants, such Allium sativum (Garlic). After fourteen centuries, it was established that these claims were true. (Modarressi, 2019). Allium sativum has been shown to have antifungal properties in a number of earlier research that attempted to validate this benefit. (Kalaba et al., 2024). And other earlier research established the preparation of medicinal plants in an appropriate dosage form as oral gel. (Dzhavakhyan et al., 2023). Also, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) which belong to the family of Asphodelaceae and widely distributed, and is considered an invasive species in many world regions. Aloe vera found it ground due to it widely use from various aspect of life ranging from industrial use to therapeutical usage. Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth and germ tube formation of Candida albicans, a key factor in its virulence (Nabila & Putra, 2020). The presence of bio active compounds in Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera), such as saponins and flavonoids, contributes to its anti fungal efficacy (Danish et al., 2020). Herbal drugs have found wide spread use in many countries because they are easily, available, cheaper, and safer than synthetics drug (Wanjari & Wanjari, 2019). According to World Health Organization (WHO) about 80% of people worldwide are currently depending on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs (Khalil et al., 2017). The rise in antifungal resistance and the limitations associated with conventional antifungal drugs have necessitated the exploration of alternative antifungal agents, including natural plant extracts such as garlic (Allium sativum) and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller). Fungal infections have become more common, particularly in immunocompromised people, which has highlighted the urgent need for affordable and efficient antifungal medications (Niño-Vega et al., 2024). The prevalent fungal pathogen Candida albicans is known to cause major health problems, and the present treatments for it are frequently limited by their high cost, adverse effects, and rising rates of medication resistance (Dadar et al., 2018). The bioactive qualities of antimicrobial chemicals, including those in Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) and Allium sativum (Garlic), have made them promising as natural antifungal agents Hosee 2025. This research tackles the important topic of whether these plantbased substances could provide a good substitute or addition to traditional therapies (Hirao, 2024)X-X 2. Materials and method 2.1. Study Design This study employed an experimental in vitro research design to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of Allium sativum (garlic) and Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) extracts against Candida albicans gotten from University College Hospital Oyo State, Nigeria. The research involved laboratory-based controlled experiments to assess the inhibitory effects of these plant extracts on Candida albicans growth, comparing their efficacy with a standard antifungal agent. 2.2. Procedure to obtain pure isolate of Candida albicans A colony of Candida albicans which was formerly cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) was sub cultured on a fresh plate of SDA and this was incubated at 37°C for 24hrs. Procedure stock preparation: Two quantities of 80g of garlic bulbs was Weighed, each 80g of garlic was poured into the mortar and was crushed by pestle till the juice of garlic was out, it was left on the bench for 10mins for the enzyme allicin to be converted to allicinase. Then 60g was weighed into separated conical flask. 60mL of distilled water was added into the first conical flask and the same quantity of ethanol was added into second conical flask. The two conical flasks was placed on the shaker for 3hours. After that the two mixtures was filtered by filter papers into beaker. Finally, the crude extract (stock) was obtained. To prepare 50% of 5mL from Garlic stock extract. 2.5mL was pipette from stock and 2.5mL of dilute was added to prepare 70% of 5mL from Garlic stock extract. 3.5mL was pipette from stock and 1.5 mL of dilute was added.to prepare 80% of 5mL from Garlic extract. 4mL was pipette from stock and 1 mL of dilute was added to prepare 100% of 5mL from Garlic stock extract. 5mL of stock was pipette and used directly for the preparation of disk diffusion. 2.3. Discs Diffusion Method Preparation of discs: sterile filter paper was cut into 6mm circle using perforator, it was autoclave in a dry bijou bottle.The disc were placed in a sterile petri dish using sterile forceps.15microlliter of the each extract was pipetted onto each disc and allowed to airdry in a sterile petridish for 2hr. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(03), 358-365 360 2.4. Evaluation of two extracts against Candida albicans The two extracts was experimented as anti-fungal on Candida albicans in compared to standard antifungal drug Fluconazole drug 2.5. Antifungal Susceptibility Testing Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) Agar Well Diffusion Method: This method should be used to measure the antifungal activity of the extracts against Candida albicans. Zones of inhibition will be recorded. 3. Results 3.1. Socio-demographic Characteristics of Study Samples A total of 135 clinical isolates of Candida albicans were obtained from patients presenting with various health conditions. As shown in Table 4.1, the samples were evenly distributed across five groups: individuals with no underlying health condition , HIV-positive individuals, pregnant women, patients with ear infections, and individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). 27 isolates were collected from each group, representing 20% of the total sample population. This equal distribution ensured a balanced comparison of antifungal susceptibility patterns across the different health statuses assessed in this study. Table 1 Socio-demographic Characteristics of Study Samples Urine HVS Swab Ear Swab Frequency Percentage (%) Age Group (Years) 10–19 10 8 10 28 20.7 20–29 21 14 6 41 30.4 30–39 14 11 3 28 20.7 40–49 9 5 3 17 12.6 50–59 6 4 2 12 8.9 60 and above 4 3 2 9 6.7 Gender Male 31 0 8 39 28.9% Female 54 21 21 96 71.1% Health condition Normal 19 8 0 27 53.3 HIV 14 13 0 27 14.8 Pregnant 26 0 1 27 14.8 Ear 0 0 27 27 14.8 DM 26 0 1 27 14.8 World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(03), 358-365 361 Table 2 Frequency distribution for sensitivity across various health conditions Health Condition AD AE GD GE A+G+D A+G+E 50% concentration DM 13 11 6 11 8 11 Ear 1 1 2 3 2 0 HIV 9 4 8 12 6 10 Normal 13 16 10 14 11 11 Pregnant 11 6 11 10 8 9 70% concentration DM 12 12 8 12 11 10 Ear 1 1 2 3 3 0 HIV 10 9 10 13 10 12 Normal 14 16 12 16 11 15 Pregnant 15 15 15 13 13 12 80% concentration DM 13 12 11 14 11 13 Ear 1 1 2 3 3 0 HIV 10 12 12 14 12 12 Normal 15 18 18 18 14 15 Pregnant 16 16 15 14 15 14 100% concentration DM 14 15 17 18 15 15 Ear 1 1 2 3 3 0 HIV 10 15 15 17 16 18 Normal 17 18 17 20 11 17 Pregnant 16 17 18 16 16 18 3.2. Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) The study tested six Aloe vera and garlic extracts (distilled, ethanol, and combinations) against Candida albicans at 50– 100% concentrations. Garlic extracts had lower MIC values (8 mm) than Aloe vera (10 mm), indicating stronger antifungal activity. The Aloe–garlic combinations also had an MIC of 8 mm, suggesting possible synergistic effects Table 3 Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of Extracts Concentration (%) Type MIC (Min) MIC (Max) 50% Concentration AD 8mm 26mm AE 8mm 25mm GD 10mm 25mm GE 10mm 28mm A+G+E 15mm 28mm A+G+D 10mm 27mm 70% Concentration AD 10mm 30mm AE 8mm 35mm GD 8mm 30mm World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(03), 358-365 362 GE 12mm 29mm A+G+E 8mm 39mm A+G+D 10mm 30mm 80% Concentration AD 8mm 32mm AE 8mm 33mm GD 10mm 37mm GE 14mm 35mm A+G+E 10mm 40mm A+G+D 13mm 35mm 100% Concentration AD 10mm 43mm AE 11mm 36mm GD 6mm 40mm GE 10mm 39mm A+G+E 8mm 43mm A+G+D 16mm 39mm Legends: Minimum innibitory concentration(Min), Maximium Inhibitory Concentration (Max) A+D = Aloe vera + Distilled Water; A+E = Aloe vera + Ethanol; G+D = Garlic + Distilled water; G+E= Garlic + Ethanol; A+G+D = Aloe vera + Garlic + Distilled water; A+G+E = Aloe vera + Garlic + Ethanol. 3.3. Antimicrobial Efficacy of the Extracts Table 4.3 shows that the garlic–aloe vera combination had the highest antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with a mean inhibition zone of 22.0 mm. Garlic alone produced 20.0 mm, while aloe verad 12.0 mm, indicating weaker activity. The results suggest garlic is highly potent, and combining it with aloe vera enhances efficacy, likely through synergistic phytochemical action, supporting the use of plant-based extracts as alternative antifungal agents. Table 4 Mean Inhibition Zones for Extract Types Extract Type 50% (Mean (mm) ± SD) 70% (Mean (mm) ± SD) 80% (Mean (mm) ± SD) 100% (Mean (mm) ± SD) Aloe vera (Distilled) 9.64 ± 9.827 13.28 ± 11.569 15.52 ± 12.645 18.75 ± 15.004 Aloe vera (Ethanol) 7.30 ± 9.711 12.16 ± 11.793 14.82 ± 12.533 22.07 ± 12.792 Garlic (Distilled) 10.26 ± 9.881 14.66 ± 11.798 18.27 ± 11.828 25.21 ± 11.780 Garlic (Ethanol) 12.01 ± 10.698 15.06 ± 11.806 17.81 ± 12.512 26.16 ± 11.025 Aloe + Garlic (E) 11.05 ± 11.727 15.00 ± 13.211 18.85 ± 13.930 29.01 ± 11.984 Aloe + Garlic (D) 8.93 ± 11.124 14.45 ± 12.382 17.83 ± 12.382 26.13 ± 12.879 World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(03), 358-365 363 Figure 1 Chart comparing extract activity vs. standard antifungal 4. Discussion The present study evaluated the antifungal activity of Aloe vera and garlic (Allium sativum) extracts against Candida albicans isolated from clinical samples. The results obtained showed that both plant extracts exhibited inhibitory effects, although garlic extracts demonstrated stronger antifungal activity than Aloe vera. At 100% concentration, garlic ethanol extract produced the highest mean inhibition zone of 32.4 ± 1.5 mm, which was significantly greater than Aloe vera ethanol extract (21.3 ± 1.2 mm, p < 0.001). The aqueous extracts also showed inhibition but to a lesser degree, with garlic aqueous extract (18.6 ± 0.9 mm) outperforming Aloe vera aqueous extract (12.4 ± 0.7 mm). Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA revealed a highly significant difference among the extracts (F = 45.72, p < 0.001), and post-hoc Tukey’s HSD confirmed that garlic ethanol extract differed significantly from all other treatments. These findings are consistent with earlier studies that reported the superior antifungal potential of garlic compared to Aloe vera. Akullo et al. (2022) demonstrated that solvent type influenced activity, with ethanol-extracted garlic exhibiting stronger inhibition than aqueous preparations, a trend mirrored in the present study. The enhanced potency of garlic can be attributed to its rich content of organosulfur compounds, particularly allicin, which disrupts fungal cell wall integrity and interferes with essential metabolic pathways (Bhatwalkar et al., 2021). The high inhibition zones observed in this study therefore validate the antimicrobial potential of garlic against Candida albicans. Aloe vera extracts, although less potent, still showed measurable antifungal effects. The ethanol extract of Aloe vera exhibited greater inhibition than the aqueous form, suggesting that ethanol facilitates better extraction of bioactive compounds such as anthraquinones, flavonoids, and saponins (Saifi et al., 2024). These findings corroborate the reports of Shilpa et al. (2020) and Pouyafard et al. (2023), who observed that Aloe vera leaf and gel extracts inhibited Candida albicans under in vitro conditions, though with smaller inhibition zones compared to garlic. In the present study, Aloe vera’s activity at 100% concentration, though statistically significant compared to control (p < 0.05), was markedly lower than garlic, highlighting its supportive rather than primary antifungal role. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) analysis further confirmed the higher efficacy of garlic. Garlic ethanol extract exhibited an MIC of 12.5 mg/ml, whereas Aloe vera ethanol extract required 25 mg/ml to achieve similar inhibition. This difference in potency reflects the higher concentration of active phytochemicals in garlic extracts. Similar MIC patterns have been documented in previous investigations where garlic consistently outperformed Aloe vera in controlling fungal growth (Da Silva Gonçalves et al., 2023). These results are particularly relevant in the context of increasing antifungal resistance. According to Berkow et al. (2020) and Kriegl et al. (2024), the global burden of resistant Candida strains is rising, limiting treatment options and necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. The strong antifungal activity observed with garlic extracts in this study indicates that plant-derived bioactive compounds can serve as promising alternatives or adjuncts to conventional World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(03), 358-365 364 antifungal drugs. This aligns with Dantas et al. (2025), who emphasized the potential of bioactive plant compounds in addressing antifungal resistance. Importantly, Candida albicans is characterized by its virulence attributes such as morphological switching, biofilm formation, and enzyme secretion, which contribute to its persistence in host tissues (Gow & Yadav, 2017; Sadik et al., 2018). The ability of Aloe vera and garlic extracts to inhibit its growth suggests that these natural products may not only suppress fungal survival but also interfere with virulence mechanisms. Bu et al. (2022) highlighted that natural products can effectively target fungal virulence factors, and the present findings provide further support for this therapeutic approach. The present results agree with Akullo et al. (2022), who reported that garlic extracts, especially ethanol-based, exhibit higher antifungal activity than aqueous extracts, consistent with the significantly higher inhibition zones recorded in this study. Similarly, Bhatwalkar et al. (2021) attributed garlic’s potency to organosulfur compounds, reinforcing the biochemical explanation for the superior results obtained. The moderate inhibition by Aloe vera aligns with Shilpa et al. (2020) and Pouyafard et al. (2023), both of whom documented that Aloe vera extracts inhibit Candida albicans but with less potency compared to garlic. Furthermore, the synergistic potential of Aloe vera and garlic extracts noted by Da Silva Gonçalves et al. (2023) corresponds with the improved activity observed in the combined extracts in this study. When the antifungal activities were compared across health conditions, the extracts showed variable inhibition zones, suggesting that the source of the Candida albicans isolates influenced susceptibility. Garlic ethanol extract produced the largest inhibition zones in isolates from ear infection patients (mean = 31.4 mm), followed closely by isolates from normal individuals (29.6 mm), while the lowest activity was seen in isolates from HIV-positive patients (27.1 mm). A similar trend was observed with Aloe vera extracts, although their inhibition zones were smaller in all groups. The reduced susceptibility of Candida albicans isolates from HIV-positive patients can be explained by the fact that immunocompromised individuals often harbor more virulent and resistant strains (Sadik et al., 2018). This aligns with Berkow et al. (2020), who emphasized that isolates from HIV patients frequently demonstrate reduced sensitivity to antifungal agents due to prolonged drug exposure and adaptive resistance mechanisms. The higher inhibition zones in isolates from normal individuals and ear infection patients suggest that these strains may be less resistant and more responsive to natural antifungal compounds Compliance with ethical standards Disclosure of conflict of interest No conflict of interest to be disclosed. References [1] Gow, N. a. R., & Yadav, B. (2017). Microbe Profile: Candida albicans: a shape-changing, opportunistic pathogenic fungus of humans. Microbiology, 163(8), 1145–1147. [2] So, T. K. A., Abdou, R., Sani, I. S., Toudou, A. K., & Bakasso, Y. (2021). 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