therapeutic effects of ethanol extract of propolis on experimental cutaneous candidiasis in cattle

Candida albicans is a natural opportunistic flora in the skin and mucous membranes which under specific condition and excessive growth causes clinical symptoms of candidiasis in human and animals. prophylactic and therapeutic administration of some antifungal drugs have caused drug resistance, therefore, there is a need to introduce novel therapeutic agents for treatment of candidiasis. this study evaluated the therapeutic potential of ethanolic extract of propolis in experimental induced cutaneous candidiasis in cattle, with nystatin and glycerin serving as controls. four 4-year-old dairy cattle approximately 350 kg were included into the present study. the immune system of animals were suppressed with dexamethasone. thorax and flanks on the right and left sides were shaved. candida albicans (cptc: 5027) suspension were inoculated intradermally at four points on each area, (5 cm equidistant from each other). the lesions on the right thorax were treated with ethanolic extract of propolis, the lesions on the left thorax treated with nystatin ointment, and the lesions on the right flank treated with glycerin. the lesions on the left flank were left untreated. cutaneous candidiasis was established within 5 days. ethanol extract of propolis during 7 days and nystatin within 10 days improved the clinical signs of cutaneous candidiasis. it was concluded that ethanol extract of propolis could improve injuries of cutaneous candidiasis of cattle in a shorter time compared to nystatin. therefore, it could be considered as a suitable alternative compared to other synthetic antifungal products. further research is warranted to elucidate its mechanisms of action.