Using a natural product to treat fungal infections

Of the innumerable microscopic species of fungi, some cause acute infections. For instance, the Candida type of yeasts can cause septicemias (generalized infections), organ infections, infections of the fingernails or the mouth's mucosa, vulvo-vaginitis, balanitis, or urethritis. The opportunistic yeast Candida albicans lives in the bacterial flora of the human gut. Generally, when intestinal flora is well balanced, the proportion of Candida is of one cell to one million other bacteria. When this balance is disrupted—by overuse of antibiotics, insufficient dietary fiber, or weakened defenses of the alimentary tract—a proliferation of Candida results. This in turn can lead to the general infection known as candidosis.

A natural product, CandiCIDE®, which includes a mix of essential oils and propolis, can alleviate symptoms resulting from an imbalance of yeasts in the organism, in particular in the digestive system.

 

Brown propolis

Of exceptional quality, this propolis has a concentration of active components as much as ten times that of natural propolis. It has an antimicrobial, mainly antifungal, action and antioxidant effects. It also contains flavonoids: quercetin, artepilin C, pinocembrin, and galangin, with a strong antifungal action; oligoelements, which contribute to cell metabolism; and the phenethyl ester of cafeic acid ( CAPE ), with an anti-inflammatory effect. Together they augment the action of the natural C vitamin, needed by the body to prevent oxidation.

 

A cocktail of essential oils

The essential oil (EO) of peppermint (Menthe piperita) is rich in monoterpenol, a menthol with powerful anti-infectious, chiefly antifungal, action. It also contains menthone, which has major antiparasitic properties. The principal component of the EO of clove ( Eugenia caryiophyllus ) is a phenol (eugenol) with immune-stimulant, general, antioxidant, anesthetic, antispasmodic, and fungicidal actions. And it contains a terpenic ester that is antispasmodic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.

The oxide contained in the EO of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has antifungal, anti-parasitic, immunomodulating, and metabolism-stimulating properties. This EO also improves the organism's defenses.

Sgnificant advances regarding the synergic action of essential oils and propolis have been made. CandiCIDE®, born from this research, associates brown propolis with three essential oils, combining antifungal and antiparasitic properties with immuno-stimulating actions. A peculiarity of Candida albicans is to become extremely toxic as it decomposes, and so CandiCIDE®—primarily antifungal—also supports the body and insures the safe evacuation of these toxins. CandiCIDE® is sold in pharmacies.

 

— Liena Hernandez-Horizondo, PhD, pharmacist