Lorestan University of Medical Sciences Herbal Medicines Journal 2538-2144 4 2 2019 05 01 The Antifungal Effect of Thymus Vulgaris on Isolated Candida Albicans from the Surface of Removable Orthodontic Appliances 55 64 221318 10.22087/herb%20med%20j.v4i2.718 EN Farkhondeh Kavianirad School of Dentistry, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran Nima Bahador Department of Microbiology, College of Sciences, Agriculture and Modern Technology, Shiraz Branch Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran Navid Naseri Department of Orthodontic, School of Dentistry, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran Tahereh Baherimoghadam Department of Orthodontic, School of Dentistry, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran Roja Safaeian Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering, School of Agriculture, Shiraz, Iran Journal Article 2025 05 20 Background and Aim: Orthodontic appliances can impair the balance of oral microflora and increase the load of certain microorganisms in the oral cavity. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is the gold-standard antimicrobial agent for plaque control. However, its long-term use induces adverse effects. The present study seeks to assess the effect of the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris on isolated Candida albicans (C. albicans) from removable orthodontic appliances.Materials and Methods: In this study, thirty-two dental students were requested to use removable orthodontic appliances for 7 days. Subsequently, the acrylic base of the appliance was checked for the isolation of C. albicans. Furthermore, the effect of Thymus Vulgaris essential oil on isolated C. albicans were evaluated using the disc diffusion method, and then its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined.Results: The results of this study indicated that the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris was significantly more effective than CHX in the elimination of isolated C. albicans from the surface of orthodontic appliances (P<0.05). Moreover, its MIC was calculated to be 15.6 µL/mL.Conclusion: The essential oil of Thymus vulgaris has favorable antimicrobial activity against C. albicans greater than that of CHX.  https://hmj.lums.ac.ir/article_221318_f519bcff8be73f7baa7123d387778ba0.pdf