Abstract
New antifungal agents are required to compensate for the increase in resistance to standard antifungal agents of C. albicans, which is an important opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes minor infections in many individuals but very serious infections in those who are immune-compromised. In this study, combinations of the theaflavin and epicatechin are investigated as potential antifungal agents and also to establish whether antifungal synergy exists between these two readily accessible and cost-effective polyphenols isolated from black and green tea. The results of disc diffusion assays show stronger antibacterial activity of theaflavin:epicatechin combinations against C. albicans NCTC 3255 and NCTC 3179, than that of theaflavin alone. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of theaflavin and the theaflavin:epicatechin combinations of 1024 ㎍/mL with theaflavin and 128-256 ㎍/mL with theaflavin:epicatechin combinations are found. FICIs were calculated and synergy between theaflavin and epicatechin against both isolates of C. albicans confirmed. Theaflavin:epicatechin combinations show real potential for future use as a treatment for infections caused by C. albicans