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Published on: January 13, 2023
Efficacy of Pluchea dioscoridis leaf extract against pathogenic Candida albicans
Nessma Ahmed El Zawawy1, ElSayed ElSayed Hafez
1Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt. dr.nessmaelzawawy@yahoo.com.
Introduction:
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Pluchea dioscoridis leaf extract on growth, survival, morphogenesis, and virulence gene expression of Candida albicans.
Methodology:
Anticandidal activity was studied using the hole-plate method against four pathogenic C. albicans strains from clinical isolates. The effect of the extract on the growth profile of the yeast was also examined via a time-kill assay. Microscopic observations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were made to determine the major alterations in the microstructure of C. albicans. Quantitative changes in phospholipase, hemolysin, and secreted aspartyl proteinase (SAP1 and SAP10) genes expression as virulence factors were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results:
The extract exhibited high anticandidal activity, with the zones of inhibition between 0.5 and 6 cm, and recorded a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 30 mg/mL. The time-kill study suggested that the extract possessed yeasticidal properties at higher concentrations and eradicated the growth of yeast cells. The SEM and TEM micrographs exhibited major abnormalities that occurred on the yeast cells after being exposed to the extract, resulting in complete alterations in their morphology and collapse of the cells beyond repair. At MIC concentration, phospholipase, proteinase, and hemolysin gene expression was reduced to 90%, 70%, 90% for SAP1, and 40% for SAP10, respectively, compared to that obtained from untreated C. albicans, as demonstrated by quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis.
Conclusions:
The P. dioscoridis leaf extract may be an effective anticandidal agent to treat pathogenic yeast infections.
Insights
Pluchea dioscoridis leaf extract shows potent anticandidal activity against Candida albicans, inhibiting growth and reducing virulence factors. This natural extract demonstrates yeasticidal properties and significant morphological damage to yeast cells.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Microbiology
- Mycology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a pathogenic yeast causing infections.
- Evaluating natural compounds for antifungal properties is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of Pluchea dioscoridis leaf extract against Candida albicans.
- To investigate its effects on yeast growth, survival, morphology, and virulence gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Anticandidal activity was tested using the hole-plate method and time-kill assays.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for morphological analysis.
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) quantified virulence gene expression (phospholipase, hemolysin, SAP1, SAP10).
Main Results:
- The extract demonstrated significant anticandidal activity with zones of inhibition up to 6 cm and a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 30 mg/mL.
- Microscopy revealed severe morphological damage and cell collapse in C. albicans treated with the extract.
- RT-PCR showed substantial reductions in phospholipase (90%), hemolysin (70%), SAP1 (90%), and SAP10 (40%) gene expression at MIC.
Conclusions:
- Pluchea dioscoridis leaf extract exhibits strong anticandidal properties.
- The extract effectively inhibits C. albicans growth and virulence.
- It holds potential as a natural therapeutic agent for candidiasis.
