Abstract
Author(s): MI. Iyamu*, BE. Chris and HO. Uwumarongie
Objectives: To evaluate the antifungal activity of some brands of toothpastes commonly sold to
University students, within Ekpoma Metropolis of Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods:
Antifungal activity was determined by agar well diffusion method, were known weights of
toothpastes were dissolved in 5ml of sterile pyrogen-free distilled water, to get concentrations
varying from 12.50 to 200.00mg/ml respectively. These were filled into wells punched into
sabouraud dextrose agar medium plates inoculated with the test isolates, incubated at 35oC.
Inhibition zone diameters were read after 48 hr. Result: Maclean’s and Dabur Herbal toothpastes
had antifungal activity against Microsporumcanis, Aspergillusniger and Candida albicans, with
zones of inhibition which ranged from 12 to 39mm. There was no activity against
Aspergillusflavus. Close-Up toothpaste had antifungal activity against Microsporumcanis,
Aspergillusflavus and Candida albicans, with zones of inhibition which ranged from 13 to 42mm
and no activity against Aspergillusniger. Close-Up Herbal toothpaste had antifungal activity
against Microsporumcanis and Candida albicans, with no activity against Aspergillus species
used in this study. It produced zones of inhibition which ranged from 24 to 45mm.
Conclusion: The various toothpastes evaluated had antifungal activities which varied and they
may be useful in reducing the pathogenic potentials of the various fungi.