Inhibitory Activity of Candida albicans Fungi by Acetone Extract of the Lichen Usnea sp.

Abstract

Abstract. Lichen is a unique organism that produces various organic compounds such as primary and secondary metabolites. In this study, we focused on reporting the growth inhibitory activity of Candida albicans fungi by acetone extract of the lichen Usnea sp. The Usnea sp. powder was extracted by the maceration method for 3x24 hours using acetone solvent. The results of phytochemical screening showed that the extract contained a class of chemical compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids. Bioactivity test against inhibition growth of C. albicans fungi at concentrations of 1.25%, 2.5% and 5% were 16.0 cm, 32.5 cm and 39.0 cm, respectively. The results of this study are a very important report to the exploration of natural product compounds to treat the candidiasis disease caused by the C. albicans fungi.