Can Moringa oleifera Leaf Ethyl Acetate Extract Inhibit Candida albicans Planktonic Cell Growth and Biofilm Formation In Vitro?

Abstract

Introduction: Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most common fungus found in the human oral cavity. This fungus has the ability to form a biofilm that causes infectious diseases in the oral cavity. Nowadays, the incidence of infectious diseases caused by C.albicans was increasing due to resistance to antifungal drugs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Moringa oleifera ethyl acetate extract on the inhibition of C. albicans planktonic cell growth and biofilm formation in vitro. Methods: C. albicans (ATCC 10231) was the fungus used in this study. Determination of inhibition planktonic cell growth by microdilution method. The polystyrene microplate assay method was used to test the inhibition of C. albicans biofilm formation. The extract concentrations used in this study were 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.13%, and 1.57%, respectively. A crystal violet (CV) assay assessed the biofilm's inhibitory activity. Results: The minimal inhibitory concentration of Moringa oleifera leaf ethyl acetate extract against the planktonic form of C.albicans was found to be 1.57%. Starting at 6.25% concentration, Moringa leaf ethyl acetate extract inhibits the formation of C. albicans biofilm. Conclusion: Since Moringa oleifera leaf ethyl acetate extract inhibits C. albicans planktonic and biofilm formation, it has the potential to be developed as an alternative anti-fungal agent.
 Keywords: Moringa leaf extract, planktonic cells, biofilm, Candida albicans