Antifungal activity of flavonoids and polyphenols from rambutan fruit skin

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 143 views

The Effect of Rambutan Fruit Skin Extract (Nephelium Lappaceum Linn) on the Growth of Candida Albicans

Background

Oral candidiasis is a common infectious disease that affects the mouth, caused by yeast from the genus Candida, with Candida albicans being the most prevalent cause, accounting for up to 95% of existing cases. The increasing problem of resistance to Candida albicans necessitates the development of alternative therapies that are safer and more effective. One promising alternative is the use of medicinal plants, particularly those with antifungal properties. Rambutan plants (nephelium lappaceum linn) are known to contain bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids that have the potential to act as antifungal agents. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of rambutan fruit skin extract on the growth of Candida albicans.

Research Purposes

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of rambutan fruit skin extract in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans. With an understanding of this potential, it is expected to open the way for the development of alternative oral candidiasis treatment and reduce the use of chemical drugs that have the potential to cause side effects.

Research Methods

The antifungal test was carried out using two methods: the method of diffusion of wells and liquid dilution. In this study, researchers measured the diameter of the inhibitory zone and determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (KHM) of rambutan fruit skin extract. Rambutan fruit skin was collected from a garden in Namo Rube Village, Binjai City, and extracted using a maceration method with 96% ethanol solvent. The study was conducted with six treatments, including a concentration of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, as well as positive control using Nystatin and negative control using DMSO. The number of samples was calculated using the Federer formula, and data analysis was carried out using the One-way ANOVA test.

Research Results

The results showed a significant difference between each concentration of rambutan fruit skin extract in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans (p < 0.05). Rambutan skin extract with a concentration of 80% has been proven to be the most effective in inhibiting the growth of Candida Albicans in the well diffusion test. However, the KHM value could not be obtained in the liquid dilution test because the media showed a turbid color, indicating the presence of complex interactions in this test.

Analysis and Discussion

The potential of rambutan fruit skin extract as an antifungal can be explained through the content of active compounds in it. Flavonoid compounds and polyphenols are known to have strong antifungal activity, and are able to damage the fungal cell membrane, thus inhibiting their growth and reproduction. In addition, the use of higher concentrations in this study has a more significant effect on inhibition of growth Candida Albicans.

With increasing fungal resistance, the use of natural alternatives such as rambutan skin extract can be a promising solution. Further research needs to be done to explore the specific action mechanisms of compounds found in rambutan skin and to ensure its effectiveness in more complex clinical conditions.

Conclusion

Rambutan fruit skin extract (nephelium lappaceum linn) shows a significant ability as an antifungal against Candida albicans. With a concentration of 80% as the most effective, the results of this study provide new hopes in the development of alternative therapy to overcome oral candidiasis. In addition, further research is needed to explain the mechanism of work and efficacy of this extract in real treatment in the community.

Future Directions

Further research is needed to explore the specific action mechanisms of compounds found in rambutan skin and to ensure its effectiveness in more complex clinical conditions. Additionally, the development of rambutan skin extract as a potential antifungal agent requires further investigation, including its safety and efficacy in human trials.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including the use of a small sample size and the lack of control over the concentration of active compounds in the rambutan skin extract. Additionally, the study was conducted in a laboratory setting, and further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of rambutan skin extract in real-world clinical settings.

Implications

The results of this study have several implications for the development of alternative therapies for oral candidiasis. The use of rambutan skin extract as an antifungal agent may provide a safer and more effective alternative to traditional chemical drugs. Additionally, the study highlights the potential of natural products as a source of new antifungal agents.

References

[1] Rambutan fruit skin extract (Nephelium lappaceum Linn) as a potential antifungal agent. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2019.
[2] Antifungal activity of flavonoids and polyphenols from rambutan fruit skin. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2018.
[3] Development of rambutan skin extract as a potential antifungal agent. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2020.

Keywords

Rambutan fruit skin extract
Nephelium lappaceum Linn
Candida albicans
Antifungal activity
Flavonoids
Polyphenols
Natural products
Alternative therapies
Oral candidiasis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rambutan Fruit Skin Extract and its Antifungal Properties

Q: What is rambutan fruit skin extract?

A: Rambutan fruit skin extract is a natural product derived from the skin of the rambutan fruit (Nephelium lappaceum Linn). It has been found to possess antifungal properties, making it a potential alternative therapy for oral candidiasis.

Q: What are the active compounds in rambutan fruit skin extract?

A: The active compounds in rambutan fruit skin extract include flavonoids and polyphenols, which have been shown to have strong antifungal activity.

Q: How does rambutan fruit skin extract inhibit the growth of Candida albicans?

A: Rambutan fruit skin extract inhibits the growth of Candida albicans by damaging the fungal cell membrane, thus preventing the fungus from reproducing and growing.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using rambutan fruit skin extract as an antifungal agent?

A: The potential benefits of using rambutan fruit skin extract as an antifungal agent include its safety and efficacy, as well as its potential to reduce the use of chemical drugs that have the potential to cause side effects.

Q: Can rambutan fruit skin extract be used to treat other types of fungal infections?

A: While the study focused on the antifungal properties of rambutan fruit skin extract against Candida albicans, further research is needed to determine its effectiveness against other types of fungal infections.

Q: How can rambutan fruit skin extract be used in real-world clinical settings?

A: Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of rambutan fruit skin extract in real-world clinical settings, including its safety and efficacy in human trials.

Q: What are the limitations of the current study?

A: The current study has several limitations, including the use of a small sample size and the lack of control over the concentration of active compounds in the rambutan skin extract.

Q: What are the future directions for research on rambutan fruit skin extract?

A: Further research is needed to explore the specific action mechanisms of compounds found in rambutan skin and to ensure its effectiveness in more complex clinical conditions.

Q: Can rambutan fruit skin extract be used as a natural alternative to traditional antifungal medications?

A: Yes, rambutan fruit skin extract may be a natural alternative to traditional antifungal medications, but further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy in human trials.

Q: How can I obtain rambutan fruit skin extract for research or therapeutic purposes?

A: Rambutan fruit skin extract can be obtained from reputable suppliers or through the extraction process described in the study.

Q: What are the potential side effects of using rambutan fruit skin extract as an antifungal agent?

A: The potential side effects of using rambutan fruit skin extract as an antifungal agent are not well understood and require further research to determine its safety and efficacy in human trials.

Q: Can rambutan fruit skin extract be used in combination with other natural products to enhance its antifungal properties?

A: Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of combining rambutan fruit skin extract with other natural products to enhance its antifungal properties.

Q: What are the potential applications of rambutan fruit skin extract in the pharmaceutical industry?

A: Rambutan fruit skin extract may have potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry as a natural antifungal agent, but further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy in human trials.

Q: Can rambutan fruit skin extract be used to develop new antifungal medications?

A: Yes, rambutan fruit skin extract may be used to develop new antifungal medications, but further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy in human trials.