Growth inhibitory properties of chalcones to Candida

Abstract

The growth inhibitory properties of derivatives of chalcone (1,3‐diphenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐one) were studied against oral Candida species, including C. albicans. C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. The antifungal activities of 2‐hydroxychalcone and 2,5‐dihydroxychalcone were so high that they inhibited the growth of most strins at the concentration of 200 μg ml‐1, whereas chalcone was less active (to a limited number of strains) or inactive. 2‐Hydroxychalcone was active only against C. glabrata. The other chalcones without a 2‐hydroxyl group showed no significant antifungal activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration of 2‐hydroxychalcone was 75 μ ml‐1 to all strains of three Candida species sensitive to it. The antifungal property was based on a fungicidal action. The structure‐activity relationship indicates that the presence of a hydroxyl group at the 2‐position potentially improves the antifungal property.