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Suppressive effects of lemon myrtle extract against the colonization and virulence factors of Candida spp
Siyuan Liu1, Yi Wang1, Chun Xu1
1Sydney Dental School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
Objectives:
Candida species (Candida spp.) are among the most common opportunistic pathogens inhabiting the oral cavity and frequently cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. Conventional antibiotic treatments for Candida infections face significant challenges, including the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This highlights the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies, particularly those leveraging natural products.
Methods:
In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of an aqueous lemon myrtle extract on the colonization and virulence of six Candida spp., including microbial adhesion, biofilm formation, extracellular polysaccharide production, hyphal production, and several invasion-associated virulence factors.
Results:
The extract significantly reduced Candida adhesion to hard surfaces and inhibited biofilm formation. Additionally, it suppressed the production of insoluble extracellular polysaccharides and various invasion-associated virulence factors, including phospholipase, ergosterol, protease, and hyphal formation.
Conclusions:
These findings provide a better understanding of the potential role of lemon myrtle extract as a natural therapeutic agent for controlling Candida colonization and mitigating its invasive capabilities. This study provides a foundation for further exploration of lemon myrtle as a promising alternative for the management of Candida infections.
Insights
Lemon myrtle extract effectively inhibits Candida species, reducing adhesion and biofilm formation. This natural compound shows promise for managing oral Candida infections and combating antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Natural product therapeutics
- Antimicrobial resistance
Background:
- Candida species are common opportunistic oral pathogens.
- Antimicrobial resistance necessitates novel therapeutic approaches.
- Natural products offer potential alternatives to conventional treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of lemon myrtle extract against Candida species.
- To investigate its impact on microbial adhesion and virulence factors.
Main Methods:
- An aqueous lemon myrtle extract was tested.
- Effects on Candida adhesion, biofilm formation, and virulence factors were assessed.
- Six Candida species were included in the study.
Main Results:
- Lemon myrtle extract significantly reduced Candida adhesion and biofilm formation.
- It inhibited extracellular polysaccharide production and key virulence factors.
- Suppression of phospholipase, protease, and hyphal formation was observed.
Conclusions:
- Lemon myrtle extract demonstrates potential as a natural therapeutic agent.
- It can control Candida colonization and reduce invasive capabilities.
- Further research into lemon myrtle for Candida infection management is warranted.
