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Updated: Nov 3, 2025
A Soluble Tetrazolium-Based Reduction Assay to Evaluate the Effect of Antibodies on Candida tropicalis Biofilms
Published on: September 16, 2022
Plant Preparations and Compounds with Activities against Biofilms Formed by Candida spp
Tomasz M Karpiński1, Marcin Ożarowski2, Agnieszka Seremak-Mrozikiewicz3,4,5
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Wieniawskiego 3, 61-712 Poznań, Poland.
Abstract:
Fungi from the genus Candida are very important human and animal pathogens. Many strains can produce biofilms, which inhibit the activity of antifungal drugs and increase the tolerance or resistance to them as well. Clinically, this process leads to persistent infections and increased mortality. Today, many Candida species are resistant to drugs, including C. auris, which is a multiresistant pathogen. Natural compounds may potentially be used to combat multiresistant and biofilm-forming strains. The aim of this review was to present plant-derived preparations and compounds that inhibit Candida biofilm formation by at least 50%. A total of 29 essential oils and 16 plant extracts demonstrate activity against Candida biofilms, with the following families predominating: Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Apiacae. Lavandula dentata (0.045-0.07 mg/L), Satureja macrosiphon (0.06-8 mg/L), and Ziziphora tenuior (2.5 mg/L) have the best antifungal activity. High efficacy has also been observed with Artemisia judaica, Lawsonia inermis, and Thymus vulgaris. Moreover, 69 plant compounds demonstrate activity against Candida biofilms. Activity in concentrations below 16 mg/L was observed with phenolic compounds (thymol, pterostilbene, and eugenol), sesquiterpene derivatives (warburganal, polygodial, and ivalin), chalconoid (lichochalcone A), steroidal saponin (dioscin), flavonoid (baicalein), alkaloids (waltheriones), macrocyclic bisbibenzyl (riccardin D), and cannabinoid (cannabidiol). The above compounds act on biofilm formation and/or mature biofilms. In summary, plant preparations and compounds exhibit anti-biofilm activity against Candida. Given this, they may be a promising alternative to antifungal drugs.
Insights
Plant-derived compounds show potent anti-biofilm activity against drug-resistant fungi like Candida. These natural agents offer a promising alternative to conventional antifungal drugs for treating persistent infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Mycology
- Pharmacognosy
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Candida species are significant human and animal pathogens.
- Biofilm formation by Candida enhances antifungal drug resistance and leads to persistent, life-threatening infections.
- Multidrug-resistant strains, such as Candida auris, pose a growing clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review plant-derived preparations and compounds exhibiting significant anti-biofilm activity against Candida.
- To identify specific plant families, species, and compounds effective against Candida biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature on plant-derived anti-Candida biofilm agents.
- Analysis of reported efficacy, focusing on inhibition of biofilm formation by at least 50%.
- Identification of active plant families, extracts, essential oils, and isolated compounds.
Main Results:
- Twenty-nine essential oils and 16 plant extracts demonstrated anti-Candida biofilm activity, with Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Apiacae families being prominent.
- Specific plant species like Lavandula dentata, Satureja macrosiphon, Ziziphora tenuior, Artemisia judaica, Lawsonia inermis, and Thymus vulgaris showed high efficacy.
- Sixty-nine plant compounds, including thymol, eugenol, pterostilbene, warburganal, polygodial, dioscin, baicalein, and cannabidiol, were effective against Candida biofilms at low concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Plant preparations and compounds possess significant anti-biofilm properties against Candida species.
- These natural agents represent a promising alternative therapeutic strategy to combat multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming Candida strains.
- Further research into these plant-derived compounds could lead to novel antifungal treatments.
