In Silico and In Vitro Analysis of Sulforaphane Anti-Candida Activity

Abstract

Oropharyngeal candidiasis/candidosis is a common and recurrent opportunistic fungal infection. Fluconazole (FLZ), one of the most used and effective antifungal agents, has been associated with a rise of resistant Candida species in immunocompromised patients undergoing prophylactic therapy. Sulforaphane (SFN), a compound from cruciferous vegetables, is an antimicrobial with yet controversial activities and mechanisms on fungi. Herein, the in silico and antifungal activities of SFN against C. albicans were investigated. In silico analyzes for the prediction of the biological activities and oral bioavailability of SFN, its possible toxicity and pharmacokinetic parameters, as well as the estimates of its gastrointestinal absorption, permeability to the blood-brain barrier and skin, and similarities to drugs, were performed by using different software. SFN in vitro anti-Candida activities alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLZ) were determined by the broth microdilution method and the checkerboard, biofilm and hyphae formation tests. Amongst the identified probable biological activities of SFN, nine indicated an antimicrobial potential. SFN was predicted to be highly absorbable by the gastrointestinal tract, to present good oral availability, and not to be irritant and/or hepatotoxic. SFN presented antifungal activity against C. albicans and prevented both biofilm and hyphae formation by this microorganism. SFN was additive/synergistic to FLZ. Overall, the data highlights the anti-Candida activity of SFN and its potential to be used as an adjuvant therapy to FLZ in clinical settings.

Investigating Sulforaphane’s anti-virulence and anti-quorum sensing properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

“…Our findings uncovered the significant antibiofilm effect of sulforaphane at sub-MIC, along with its ability to reduce bacterial swarming. These findings are consistent with Silva et al, who demonstrated that sulforaphane had antibiofilm properties against Candida species ( Silva et al, 2022 ) and Streptococcus mutans ( Zhou et al, 2023 ).…”

Biochanin A Inhibits the Growth and Biofilm of Candida Species

“…Hyphae are important structures of Candida spp. biofilms and are essential for successful fungal colonization and invasion of the host, as the greater the ability of a fungus to adhere to the host, produce hyphae, and form biofilms, the higher the chances of persistent and severe infections [ 63 , 64 , 65 ].…”

Antimicrobial and Anti-Infective Activity of Natural Products—Gaining Knowledge from Novel Studies

“…The interesting results indicate the need for further investigations with V. guianensis and its compounds, especially in regards of Candida -induced diseases. Silva and colleagues [ 6 ] assessed the antifungal potential of sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate found in cruciferous plants, with previous suggested antibacterial actions. The authors conducted both in silico analysis and in vitro assays; as expected, in silico analysis confirmed its antimicrobial properties, which include antiparasitic, antifungal, and antibacterial actions, as well as mechanisms ranging from alterations of membrane composition to inhibition of fungi RNA.…”