In vitro synergism of a water insoluble fraction of Uncaria tomentosa combined with fluconazole and terbinafine against resistant non-Candida albicans isolates

Candida species are harmless saprophyte yeasts, a normal component of the human biota in the gastrointestinal tract and oral and vaginal mucosae. These yeasts can cause superficial infections manifested as thrush and vaginitis; excepting in immunecompromised and immune-suppressed patients, for instance, to whom they can cause severe systemic infections. Risk factors for patients include infection by the human immune deficiency virus (HIV), anti-cancer therapy, organ transplantation, abdominal surgery, catheters, diabetes and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (Cruz et al. 2002; Morschh€auser 2002).