Abstract
BACKGROUND: The oral health of individuals is undoubtedly affected by the fact that fungal microorganisms are currently resistant to the conventional antifungal drugs used. Still, there are numerous emerging therapeutic alternatives available like phytotherapy. The phytochemistry of various plant species has indicated that phytochemicals could be a better source of medicine with outstanding antifungal, healing, anti-inflammatory spectrum, and antioxidant properties. AIM: To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of silver nanoparticles of vanilla pods against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida krusei and to compare with Fluconazole. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The vanilla pods were procured from the organic store. The aqueous extracts were prepared. Ten percent of the vanilla extract was utilized to generate the silver nanoparticles. The generated silver nanoparticles were characterized visually based on color change and confirmed by UV spectroscopy. Disk diffusion method was used to determine the antifungal activity of the vanilla pods reinforced silver nanoparticles at different concentrations (20 μl, 40 μ, 40n μ, and 80 μand 80ratioC. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. krusei. The antifungal efficacy of the produced nanoparticles was evaluated against a standard of ketoconazole (30 μ30. RESULTS: Vanillin silver nanoparticles exhibit commendable antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. glabrata which is equivalent to that of ketoconazole, and amplified activity against drug-resistant C. krusei was evident. CONCLUSION: Silver nanoparticles from vanilla pods were studied and their wider zones of inhibition indicated exemplary antifungal efficacy compared with conventional antifungal drugs like ketoconazole. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Future research on vanillin nanocarrier systems might enhance their stability, bioavailability, and bioactivity. As an outcome, with some promising advances in this area, it would be captivating to pursue a systematic investigation into the potential effects of vanillin at the cellular and molecular levels. This will enable us to further assess its applicability as an active biopharmaceutical ingredient in mouthwashes, probiotic lozenges, and denture resin for use as an effective strategy against the biofilm growth of various Candida species.