Oral candidiasis is often a difficult condition to treat. Conventional treatments can be very effective with several drawbacks. Most conventional medications for oral candidiasis kill the yeast, but also attack the normal flora in the gut. This can lead to other health conditions. Conventional treatments can also be costly.

Several botanical extracts have proven antibacterial and anti-fungal activity against microorganisms including yeast. However, many of these botanicals do not exhibit effectiveness when tested in clinical trials. Several factors can account for the failed results including incorrect preparation and insufficient dose.

A preliminary study was published in the journal Tropical Doctors in April 2005 that tested the efficacy of garlic paste as a treatment for oral candidiasis. The garlic paste was a concentrated preparation high in volatile oils.

The study had 56 participants. Each participant was given an oral application of garlic paste once daily for 14 days. The treatment was compared to treatment with an oral rinse of clotrimazole, a commonly prescribed over the counter anti-fungal.

The researchers found that garlic paste administered once daily was as effective as clotrimazole for treating oral candidiasis. The garlic paste was proven to suppress the clinical symptoms of oral candidiasis. This study did not compare cultures of the oral mucosa before and after treatment to determine any change in colony count.

In conclusion this preliminary trial shows promising results that garlic can be used as an effective anti-fungal for oral candidiasis. It is safe and will not cause systemic depletion of normal flora in the GI system. Larger double blind studies are needed to confirm this