Green Tea Polyphenols and Padma Hepaten Inhibit Candida albicans Biofilm Formation

Abstract

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most prevalent opportunistic human pathogenic fungus and can cause mucosal membrane infections and invade the blood. In the oral cavity, it can ferment dietary sugars, produce organic acids and therefore has a role in caries development. In this study, we examined whether the polyphenol rich extractions Polyphenon from green tea (PPFGT) and Padma Hepaten (PH) can inhibit the caries-inducing properties of C. albicans. Biofilms of C. albicans were grown in the presence of PPFGT and PH. Formation of biofilms was tested spectrophotometrically after crystal violet staining. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) secretion was quantified using confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). Treated C. albicans morphology was demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Expression of virulence-related genes was tested using qRT-PCR. Development of biofilm was also tested on an orthodontic surface (Essix) to assess biofilm inhibition ability on such appliances. Both PPFGT and PH dose-dependently inhibited biofilm formation, with no inhibition on planktonic growth. The strongest inhibition was obtained using the combination of the substances. Crystal violet staining showed a significant reduction of 45% in biofilm formation using a concentration of 2.5mg/ml PPFGT and 0.16mg/ml PH. A concentration of 1.25 mg/ml PPFGT and 0.16 mg/ml PH inhibited candidal growth by 88% and EPS secretion by 74% according to CSLM. A reduction in biofilm formation and in the transition from yeast to hyphal morphotype was observed using SEM. A strong reduction was found in the expression of hwp1, eap1, and als3 virulence associated genes. These results demonstrate the inhibitory effect of natural PPFGT polyphenolic extraction on C. albicans biofilm formation and EPS secretion, alone and together with PH. In an era of increased drug resistance, the use of phytomedicine to constrain biofilm development, without killing host cells, may pave the way to a novel therapeutic concept, especially in children as orthodontic patients.

Polyphenols Inhibit Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation

“…In a recent study the combination of polyphenon from green tea (PPFGT) and PH was found to inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation and EPS secretion [28].…”

Polyphenols in Dental Applications

“…It has an important role in caries evolution due to the production of some organic acids and dietary sugars in the dental plaque [147]. Polyphenols of green tea (1.25 µg/mL) and Padma Hepaten (0.16 µg/mL) can inhibit the growth of C. albicans by 88% and prevent biofilm formation for orthodontic patients [148].…”

“…Farkash et al [148] used scanning electron microscopy to observe the reduction in cell number and the morphology changes of C. albicans in the untreated group, in the group treated with green tea polyphenols and in the group treated with green tea polyphenols and Padma Hepaten. The group treated with both plant polyphenols affected C. albicans morphology that contains more yeast shaped cells and less hyphal cells (Figure 8).…”

“…Polyphenol mixtures extracted from plants and beverages have been extensively used for their outstanding antimicrobial properties but also in relationship to their availability. Farkash [148] Green tea polyphenols and Padma Hepaten 1.25 µg/mL, 0.16 µg/mL, respectively Inhibition of C. albicans growth (88%)…”

“…(a-c) Untreated group, (d-f) green tea polyphenols, (g-i) green tea, and Padma Hepaten polyphenols. Modified from ref [148]. with authorization.…”