Pomegranate Extract Affects Fungal Biofilm Production: Consumption of Phenolic Compounds and Alteration of Fungal Autoinducers Release

Abstract

Candida albicans expresses numerous virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis, including its dimorphic transition and even biofilm formation, through the release of specific quorum sensing molecules, such as the autoinducers (AI) tyrosol and farnesol. In particular, once organized as biofilm, Candida cells can elude conventional antifungal therapies and the host’s immune defenses as well. Accordingly, biofilm-associated infections become a major clinical challenge underlining the need of innovative antimicrobial approaches. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PomeGr) on C. albicans growth and biofilm formation; in addition, the release of tyrosol and farnesol was investigated. The phenolic profile of PomeGr was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analysis before and after exposure to C. albicans. Here, we showed that fungal growth, biofilm formation and AI release were altered by PomeGr treatment. Moreover, the phenolic content of PomeGr was substantially hampered upon exposure to fungal cells; particularly pedunculagin, punicalin, punicalagin, granatin, di-(HHDP-galloyl-hexoside)-pentoside and their isomers as well as ellagic acid–hexoside appeared highly consumed, suggesting their role as bioactive molecules against Candida. Overall, these new insights on the anti-Candida properties of PomeGr and its potential mechanisms of action may represent a relevant step in the design of novel therapeutic approaches against fungal infections.

HPLC, NMR Based Characterization, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Chemical Constituents from Therapeutically Active Fungal Endophytes

“…Moharram et al . (2015) indicated that the same fungi isolated from same plant being cultured on same media and by adopting same procedure were indicating different levels of kojic acid production [ 48 ]. Similarly Kusari et al .…”

Multi-omics analysis detected multiple pathways by which pomegranate punicalagin exerts its biological effects in modulating host–microbiota interactions in murine colitis models

“…Punicalagin (PA) is one of the key bioactive food ingredients in Punica granatum ( pomegranate). Due to its strong antioxidant, 1 anti-inflammatory, 2 antiproliferative, 3 and antimicrobial properties, [4][5][6] pomegranate related food products have gained substantial popularity recently. Since 2017, over a dozen of animal studies have been conducted to examine the ability of pomegranate products or PA to manage various disorders, including diet induced obesity and metabolic disorders 7,8 and bacterial, viral and fungal infections.…”

“…Since 2017, over a dozen of animal studies have been conducted to examine the ability of pomegranate products or PA to manage various disorders, including diet induced obesity and metabolic disorders 7,8 and bacterial, viral and fungal infections. 5,[9][10][11] Both pomegranate extracts (PE) and juices and purified PA were able to reduce inflammation 12 and alleviated collagen-induced arthritis severity and bone destruction in mice. 13 PE can prevent neuropathic pain in rats.…”