Hibiscus sabdariffa Extract Inhibits Adhesion, Biofilm Initiation and Formation in Candida albicans

Abstract

Microbial biofilms act as reservoirs for pathogenic sessile microbes which reside inside the three dimensional matrix of the biofilm, and are thus protected against anti-microbial drugs. Most of the anti-microbial drugs fail to completely abolish the biofilm associated infections. In the present study, we provide evidence of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hs) extract having possible anti-microbial activity, with emphasis on Candida albicans biofilm. The Hs extract was shown to be effective against C. albicans pre-formed biofilm at 3.125 mg/ml and was able to inhibit the hyphae initiation and adherence of cells. Furthermore, Hs extract was able to reduce the C. albicans load in C. elegans by effectively killing the Candida cells thereby reducing the viable colony count and effectively increasing the lifespan of worms. The percentage of viable hatched progeny of worms exposed to Hs extract (both at conc. 1.5 mg/ml and 6.25 mg/ml), was also comparable to that of the control untreated eggs. The Hs extract was also found to be significantly effective against fluconazole resistant C. albicans isolated from patients. Thus, we, for the first time, propose Hs extract as a prospective drug candidate and substitute for eradicating pre-formed biofilm and inhibiting the growth of C. albicans.

The Digestibility of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Polyphenols Using an In Vitro Human Digestion Model and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Activity

“…A couple of studies have previously reported the antimicrobial potential of H.s. [ 31 , 32 ]. Baena-Santillán et al [ 31 ] have recently determined and compared the antimicrobial effect of H.s.…”

“…The H.s. extract was also able to inhibit the adhesion, biofilm initiation, and formation of the yeast Candida albicans [ 32 ]. We have previously demonstrated the effect of a plant extract against the Gram-positive strains Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Targeting Adhesion in Fungal Pathogen Candida Albicans

“…Many essential oils and extracts from plants have also been found to inhibit adhesion of C. albicans, but their active compound is generally unknown, as they are composed of complex, unidentified mixtures of both polar and nonpolar natural compounds [105][106][107][108][109].…”

Fungal Biofilms as a Valuable Target for the Discovery of Natural Products That Cope with the Resistance of Medically Important Fungi—Latest Findings

“…After four h incubation, 66.32% of hyphal form was seen in the control group, while 3.96%, 2.11% and 1.65% of hyphae were formed in the presence of CFL, FAL and FAB, respectively [ 140 ]. As reported by Dwivedi et al [ 141 ], the Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) flower DMSO extract inhibited the yeast-to-hypha transition with hyphae showing morphological changes, and also adherence of C. albicans cells (80% at 6.25 mg/mL). It also inhibited biofilm formation as well as disrupted the pre-formed C. albicans biofilm by 50% when tested at 3.12 mg/mL.…”