Antifungal Activity of Homoeopathic Medicine Calendula Officinalis Q against Candida albicans

Abstract

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) significantly impacts the management of infectious diseases, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates. Candida albicans skin infections are found frequently in both community and health care settings. Calendula officinalis Q is recognized for its antiseptic properties.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the phytoconstituents and antifungal activity of homoeopathic preparations of varying volumes of Calendula officinalis Q.

Materials and Methods

Calendula officinalis Q was analyzed for phytoconstituents, and its antifungal activity (5, 10, and 15 µL) assessed according to the CLSIM44-S3 standards with minor modifications. The inhibition zone diameters were compared with fluconazole (positive control), 44% alcohol (first negative control), and distilled water (second negative control). The experiment was replicated thrice to ensure accuracy.

Results

Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, and flavonoids in Calendula officinalis Q. The antifungal assay demonstrated maximum inhibition zones of 13.33 ± 0.577 at 15 µL and 11.67 ± 0.577 at 10 µL. Fluconazole (10 µL) exhibited a 5 ± 1 inhibition zone, potentially due to the utilization of 10 mcg instead of 25 mcg as per the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The negative control (44% alcohol) exhibited inhibition zones of 6 ± 1 at 5 and 10 µL and 6.6 ± 1.54 at 15 µL. The highest inhibition percentage (99.85%) was observed at 15 µL of Calendula officinalis Q, followed by 94.50% at 10 µL.

Conclusion

This study provides a scientific foundation for the homoeopathic application of Calendula officinalis Q in the treatment of wounds, ulcers, burns, sores, fissures, and abrasions infected by C. albicans.

Keywords

homoeopathy - Calendula officinalis Q - phytochemical analysis - Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines - antifungal assay

Publication History

Article published online:
16 December 2025

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