Plant Preparations and Compounds with Activities against Biofilms Formed by Candida spp.

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.

Activity of Free and Liposome-Encapsulated Essential Oil from Lavandula angustifolia against Persister-Derived Biofilm of Candida auris

“…In the context of new strategies to face the threat of resistant microorganisms, essential oils (EOs) represent a valid alternative in the treatment of fungal infections and as modulators of fungal biofilms [ 15 , 16 ]. Even if plant-derived compounds have become an important potential for counteracting therapeutic failures in the treatment of fungal infections, literature data on their action against emerging yeast pathogens are still limited [ 17 ].…”

Boswellia serrata Extract as an Antibiofilm Agent against Candida spp.

“…A solution of Boswellia serrata extract Bioswellix in DMSO proved to be the most effective, and therefore further experiments were performed with this solvent. The sensitivity of Candida cells to the effects of antimicrobials depends not only on the concentration of these agents but also on other factors, such as the type of medium, incubation time and temperature [57]. There are basically two media type approaches used: a richer medium such as YPD medium [58] or Sabouraud medium [59] to create favorable conditions for the growth of yeast or low glucose and nutrient media such as RPMI medium [60].…”

“…such as C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. auris, which are increasingly common causes of nosocomial diseases [80,81]. It is clear from the reviews published in 2021 that the effective concentrations of various plant extracts or essential oils for inhibiting biofilm formation are in multiples of the MIC for suspension cells [57,75,82,83]. Nor do multiple MIC concentrations inhibit biofilm formation by 100%.…”

Composition and Biological Activity of Vitis vinifera Winter Cane Extract on Candida Biofilm

“…Even more beneficial in the goal of effective control would be their combination in combination therapy exploring synergism antimycotics [54,55]. Among the most studied plants with antifungal effects against multidrug-resistant species are representatives of Apiacae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Myrtaceae [56]. Plant extracts' effectiveness is determined by their composition and is often credited to the high content of substances with antioxidant properties such as phenolic substances [57] and antifungals (e.g., Prockia crusis) [58].…”