The Utilization of Herbal Tea as an Inhibitory Agent Against Candida albicans Growth in the Oral Cavity

Candida albicans is one of the major pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity and is responsible for the development of oral candidiasis. This fungus can proliferate and cause infection within the oral environment, and its growth must be controlled to prevent further oral complications. Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection of the oral cavity caused by C. albicans and is commonly associated with local or systemic immune suppression. Predisposing factors include extremes of age (newborns and the elderly), immunocompromising conditions such as HIV/AIDS, and prolonged use of systemic steroids or antibiotics. This study aims to review the effectiveness of herbal tea–based ingredients, namely green tea, bush tea, and Mongolian herbal tea, in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans in the oral cavity. Oral candidiasis can generally be prevented through the use of mouthwashes that inhibit the proliferation of Candida species. Sodium fluoride mouthwash is widely used for routine oral hygiene in home care settings. Numerous studies have demonstrated that fluoride interferes with carbohydrate metabolism in cariogenic microorganisms and promotes the remineralization of demineralized tooth structures; consequently, sodium fluoride has become the compound of choice in many oral health prevention programs. Despite these advantages, concerns have been raised regarding the risk of fluoride ingestion in children, which may lead to fluoride toxicity. To overcome the limitations associated with chemical-based products, various natural and herbal mouthwashes have been introduced. Among herbal products reported in the scientific literature, green tea has traditionally been used as an effective therapeutic agent for the management of candidiasis.