Enhanced inhibitory effect from interaction of curcumin with amphotericin B or fluconazole against Candida species

Abstract

The antifungal activity of curcumin against seven Candida species was studied by investigating the growth of 200 clinical isolates from patients with fungal infections. The MICs of curcumin against Candida species were in the range of 32 to 128 μg/mL. The interaction of curcumin with amphotericin B or fluconazole against these fungi was determined by FIC index and % reduction in turbidity. Synergistic effect was shown in all combinations of curcumin and amphotericin B; whereas both synergistic and additive effects were observed in the combinations of curcumin and fluconazole. This evidence suggests that when curcumin is combined with amphotericin B or fluconazole, it could provide greater fungicidal effects for the treatment of systemic fungal infections such as candidiasis and candidemia.