Clark Steven Keith Darvin

ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTY OF ESSENTIAL OIL FROM OREGANO LEAVES (Origanum vulgare, Family Lamiaceae) IN IRON OXIDE NANOSPHERE AGAINST COMMON MYCOTIC INFECTIONS AFFECTING IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS Heidi Anmarae V. Balanag Clark Steven Keith D. Darvin Marie Louise B. Mapa Archiemedez T. Masaoay Edgar M. Menor Jr. Dr. Heiner C. Kho Adviser Department of Pharmacy Centro Escolar University- Makati Fungal infections are increasing in incidence in immunocompromised host, such as patients who have had hematopoietic stem cell, solid organ transplants and patients with AIDS, although they are not yet as much of a threat as bacterial pathogens. Their increase is significant enough for us to realize that it will be harmful in the near future. Oregano oil from (Origanum vulgare) is one of the most powerful natural antifungals and was found to completely inhibit the growth of Candida albicans for the prevention and treatment of candidiasis. Nanoparticles have attracted considerable interest due to their supermagnetic properties and their potential biomedical applications arising from its biocompatibility and non-toxicity. In entrapment of the Oregano oil in Ferric Oxide Nanosphere it helps for the better penetration and delivery of the Semi-Purified Essential oil from Oregano (Origanum vulgare) to the target site in the fungi. This study would be beneficial especially it is not expensive and can be an alternative antifungal preparation for the fungal infections that is already resistant. Keywords: Oregano, Origanum vulgare, Immunocompromised host, Antifungal Property, Nanoparticle, Essential oil.