Impact and fungitoxic spectrum of Trachyspermum ammi against Candida albicans, an opportunistic pathogenic fungus commonly found in human gut that causes Candidiasis infection

Abstract Background Trachyspermum ammi (commonly known as Ajwain), a medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family is scientifically acknowledged to harbor potential bioactive compounds for the treatment of gastrointestinal issues, loss of appetite, bronchial difficulties, cough, inflammation, diarrhoea, headache, hypertension, stomach discomfort, bronchitis and influenza. Candida albicans is generally a commensal fungus found in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. Objective This study was focused on secondary metabolites of T. ammi and its effects towards candidiasis infection as caused by C. albicans. Methods Phytochemical components of T. ammi as a crude extract were extracted through maceration method using three polar (ethanol, methanol and water) and two non-polar (chloroform and diethyl ether) solvents and subjected to 14 phytochemical tests. Further, the crude extract of T. ammi was analyzed over gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Evaluation of antimicrobial property of the extract was carried out by minimum fungal concentration (MFC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, cell reduction assay was performed using flowcytometry to confirm the antifungal effect of Ajwain crude extract. Results The aqueous extract showed high presence of phytochemicals including alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, resins, steroids, tannins, inorganic acids, organic acids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, protein and coumarins. GC–MS analysis revealed seven bioactive compounds, in which thymol was detected in significant amount in the chromatogram. FTIR performance showed the presence of various stretching vibration including O H, C H, C C, C O, C N and C O C. However, the MFC and MIC of Ajwain extracts using different solvent showed that the methanolic extract possesses maximum antifungal efficacy at 250 μg/ml and 15.6 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, cell reduction assay exhibited significant cell reduction in Ajwain methanolic extract compared to the other crude extracts used in the study. Conclusion Overall, the findings revealed that Ajwain methanolic crude extract has antifungal activity against C. albicans; however, that further needs to be established at molecular level.