In vitro antifungal activity of sodium Cromolyn, Hyssopus officinalis, Plantago major, Almond gum with voriconazole against Aspergillus spp. obtained from BAL samples of patients with Asthma (A pilot study)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of medical parasitology and mycology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/mjms.2026.80981.4665

Abstract

Introduction: Fungi, especially Aspergillus spp., are one of the common causes of allergies and asthma. On the other hand, antifungal drugs are very expensive and even unbearable.

Objectives& Question: The aim of this pilot study is to compare some traditional drugs with voriconazole on Aspergillus colony growth. The question is whether the efficacy of herbal medicine used in this study is better than voriconazole or not.

Materials and Methods: Broncho-alveolar (BAL) samples from patients suspected of having fungal asthma sent to the laboratory by the doctor, were tested by direct smear and culture. Positive samples were passaged on a new plate that had different concentrations of traditional drugs or voriconazole.

Results: Aspergillus flavus is a common species isolated from BAL fluid in suspected fungal asthma patients. Although sodium cromolyn , hyssop syrup, barberry plant and almond gum inhibit the growth of Aspergillus to some extent, their inhibitory concentration is lower than voriconazole.

Conclusion: Aspergillus flavus is a common species isolated from BAL fluid in suspected fungal asthma patients. Although sodium cromolyn, hyssop syrup, barberry plant and almond gum inhibit the growth of Aspergillus to a certain extent, their inhibitory concentration is lower than voriconazole.

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References

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Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences
Volume 69, Issue 1
May 2026
Pages 1-6

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