The purpose of this research was to determine the antifungal and antibacterial properties of organic raw honey, organic castor oil, and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum). The fungus, Candida albicans, and microbes found in common places were used to conduct the experiment. These organic solutions possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. There were several groups observed in this experiment: the control, honey vs. fungi, honey vs. bacteria, castor vs. fungi, castor vs. bacteria, honey/castor mix vs. fungi, honey/castor mix vs. bacteria, holy basil vs. fungi, and holy basil vs. bacteria. The petri dishes were first made by making nutrient agar. Afterwards, the C. albicans samples were spread onto the plates and incubated for several days. Once the fungus grew, the organic solutions were placed onto them and left alone for one day in the incubator. The same steps were taken for the bacterial part of the experiment. Results showed that all the plates with honey and castor oil had the best effect against the fungi. Castor oil by itself had zones of inhibition indicating no growth around the areas where the oil was placed. The honey was only effective in high dosages. Lastly, the holy basil was effective in regard to its antibacterial and antifungal activity. This study helped investigate which solution was more suitable to use in modern medicine to fight fungal and bacterial infections, more specifically, Candidiasis.

Last modified

• 06/09/2020

Creator

• Patel, Bhavtik

Contributors

• Dr. Laura Twersky, Thesis Advisor

Subject

• Biology

Publisher

• Saint Peter's University

Date created

• April 20, 2020

Resource type

• Research Paper

Rights statement

• In Copyright