The Inhibitory Effect of Alcoholic Extraction of Pimpinella anisum against Candida albicans Isolated from Gingivitis

Anise, scientifically known as Pimpinella anisum, is a one-year herbaceous flowering plant commonly used as a spice, flavoring agent, and scent. Anise seeds have been extensively employed in traditional medicinal recipes throughout the Arab region, including Iraq. This study aimed to demonstrate the inhibitory effect of alcoholic extracts of Pimpinella anisum against Candida albicans isolated from patients with gingivitis. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 120 samples from gingivitis patients aged 30 to 50 years, collected between September 2023 and July 2024. Samples were obtained using oral swabs from patients visiting a dental specialist center in Tikrit city and outpatient clinics, comprising both genders. Bacterial isolates were identified based on microscopic and macroscopic cultural characteristics, as well as biochemical tests. Additionally, a VITEK 2 compact system was employed for species-level identification. The results indicated that out of 120 samples, 80 tested positive for bacterial isolation while 40 tested negative. Candida albicans was isolated in 58.3% of the cases. The most common bacterial species causing infections were S. mutans (25%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13%), Staphylococcus aureus (12%), and Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumonia (8%). The least common bacterial species isolated, accounting for 3%, included Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acinetobacter lowffii, and S. pneumoniae. In conclusion, Pimpinella anisum exhibits an inhibitory effect against Candida albicans and may serve as an alternative medicine in dentistry, potentially acting as an adjunct to conventional therapy for oral candidiasis.