Abstract: The anti-fungus mechanisms and curative effects of cinnamon oil and pogostemon oil complexes to wards intestinal Candida infections were investigat ed.We measured the minimal inhibitory concentra tion(MIC) values of the complexes against Candida using proportionally-diluted test-tube medium and examined the evolution of the morphology and structures of Candida albicans using scanning electronic microscopy(SEM) and transmission elec tronic microscopy(TEM).We found that the aver age MIC values of the complexes against the fung were 0.064 mg/mL(cinnamon oil),0.032 mg/mL(pogostemon oil) for Candida albicans,0.129 mg/mL(cinnamon oil),0.064 mg/mL(pogostemon oil for Candida tropicalis,and 0.129 mg/mL(cinnamon oil),0.064 mg/mL(pogostemon oil),for Candida krusei.SEM examination over a 24-48 h period showed that the morphology of Candida albicans cells changed significantly.Irregular hollows ap peared on the surfaces,inside organelles were destroyed and the cells burst after treatment.TEM examination over a 48-72 h period indicated that the cell walls were damaged,organelles were destroyed and most cytoplasms became empty bubbles.Sixty intestinal Candida-infected patients were treated with a capsule containing cinnamon and pogostemon oil.The curative ratio was 71.67%(43/60),and the improvement ratio was 28.33%(17/60),giving a to talratio of 100%.Thus,the cinnamonoil and pogostemon oil complexes had strong anti-funguseffectsag ainst Candida albicans,Candidatropicalis,and Candidakrusei.They impacted the morphology and sub-micro structures of the fungus within48-72h,and eventually denatured and killed the cells.The complexes have also shown considerable curative effects to intestinal Candida infections.

Key words: Pogostemon oil and cinnamon oil complex, Candida, Antifungal activity, Curative effect