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Fungal profile and in-vitro antifungal efficacy of ginger extract (Zingiber officinale) and virgin coconut oil against otomycosis
Habibie S.
Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio Per Le Scienze Mediche
Q4Abstract
BACKGROUND: Otomycosis, a prevalent fungal infection, has experienced a rise in incidence in Indonesia, due to the tropical climate, insufficient awareness of fungal infections, and poor personal hygiene habits. Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger are the principal fungal species implicated. Due to the demand for alternative therapies, herbs such as Zingiber officinale (ginger), acknowledged for their antifungal attributes, have potential as conventional cures. This study investigates the effectiveness of ginger extract and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) against fungus associated with otomycosis cases in Makassar.METHODS: This real experimental investigation utilized a post-test only control group design and was done at the Microbiology Laboratory, Great Hall of the Makassar Health Laboratory, from January to February 2024. Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing SPSS 25.0, with significant thresholds established at P<0.05 and P<0.01. The Shapiro-Wilk Test confirmed data normality, producing a P>0.05, which signifies a normal distribution.RESULTS: Fluconazole 2% had the highest efficiency in diminishing the diameter of Candida albicans colonies, greatly surpassing both ginger extract 1% and 2% and VCO 1% (P=0.000). Nonetheless, there was no notable difference in efficacy when comparing VCO 2% with mixtures of ginger extract and VCO (P>0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The amalgamation of ginger extract and VCO demonstrates potential in suppressing the growth of C. albicans, as indicated by decreases in colony count, thickness, and diameter in vitro, proposing an alternative therapeutic strategy for otomycosis in Makassar.