Anticandidal Activity of Some of the Common Chemicals and Dyes

A total of twelve common dyes and chemicals comprising salicylic acid, benzoic acid, boric acid, phenol, thionin, crystal violet, iodine, alum, copper sulphate, malachite green, methylene blue and lactic acid were screened for the anticandidal activity by their effect on the germ tube formation. The majority of the chemicals showed anti candidal activity except lactic acid and methylene blue. Promising effect was seen with salicylic acid, boric acid, phenol, iodine, crystal violet, copper sulphate and to a lesser degree with thionin. The alum, malachite green and benzoic acid also had significant effect on the germ tube formation.