Influence of temperature on the inhibitory potency of Eucalyptus honey against Candida albicans

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of heat processing on the antifungal activity of honey.MethodsA sample of the honey of eucalyptus was divided into four portions of 250 g each. One of the four portions obtained from studied honey was not heated (not heated fraction 25°C), the other portions were placed in water bath during 24 hours at 40 °C, 60 °C and 80°C temperatures. The HMF rates, Acidity, pH and the index of refraction were determined by harmonized methods. The antifungal tests (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) were carried out on Sabouraud agar medium embedded with honey according to dilution test.ResultsThe moisture shows values of 15.65% and 15.83%, pH between 4.10 and 4.24, the free acidity ranges between 33.8 and 38.36 meq kg−1, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content shows values between 28.8 and 103.44 mg kg−1. The antifungal action of the non-heated fraction (Fc) of honey in vitro was marked 40 % (vol/vol) than heated fractions of honey (42%, 44%, and 45%) vol/vol. respectively The antifungal activity of each fraction decreased in the following order: Fct ° 25 > Fct ° 40 > Fct ° 60 > Fct ° 80].Conclusionsour findings indicate that different levels of parameters physical-chemical properties of honey to different temperatures showed inhibitory activity against C. albicans with variable degrees.