Use of Punica granatum as an antifungal agent against candidosis associated with denture stomatitis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a gel containing the extract of Punica granatum as an antifungal agent against candidosis associated with denture stomatitis. Sixty patients with denture stomatitis confirmed by clinical and mycologic examination were selected. The patients were randomly allocated in two groups of 30 individuals each according to the medication prescribed: group A used miconazole (Daktarin(R) gel oral) and group B used a gel of P. granatum Linné (pomegranate). Both groups used the medicines three times per day for 15 days. Forty-eight hours after finishing the treatment the patients were re-examined and a second set of samples was collected for mycologic examination. The medicines were evaluated for their clinical response and negativity for Candida. The clinical results showed a satisfactory and regular response in 27 and 21 subjects of groups A and B, respectively. Negativity of yeasts was observed in 25 subjects of group A and 23 of group B. It can be concluded that the extract of P. granatum may be used as a topical antifungal agent for the treatment of candidosis associated with denture stomatitis.

Punica granatum: A review on its potential role in treating periodontal disease

“…[57] A gel based Punica granatum bark extract was effective in treating denture stomatitis as effectively as miconazole. [58]…”

Inhibitory effect of extracts from Brazilian medicinal plants on the adhesion of Candida albicans to buccal epithelial cells

“…The presence of flavonoids and tannins in plants of family Punicaceae may be responsible for several biological activities (Hussein et al 1997). Vasconcelos et al (2003) studied the use of a gel containing the extract of P. granatum as an antifungal agent against candidosis associated with denture stomatitis and observed regular clinical response in patients who used the gel. The mechanism of action of tannins on fungi is not elucidated, but Vasconcelos et al (2003) suggested that these compounds could act on the cellular membrane because of their ability to precipitate proteins.…”

Punica granatum Linn. prevention of oral candidiasis in patients undergoing anticancer treatment

“…In this study, both groups used therapeutic protocols with preventive function, among them the Punica granatum L. gel that has already had its action over fungal microorganisms confirmed by the action of the tannins through its astringent property and other not very much clarified mechanisms 11,12 . Among the hypothesis over the antimicrobial action mechanisms of these phytochemicals, include enzyme inhibition, cell metabolism modification by the action over membranes and the complexing metal ions with consequent decrease of its availability for the microorganisms metabolism 22 .…”

“…However, only one clinic study with humans 12 verified the therapeutic potential of the gel Punica granatum at 10%. The results show inhibitory activity on the adhesion of different bacteria and yeast strains commonly found in the oral cavity.…”

“…(pomegranate) used in this research, was acquired from the company All Chemistry do Brasil Ltda®. After obtained the extract, Punica granatum L. gel was elaborated at the concentration of 6.25%, based on the studies of Vasconcelos et al 12 and Vasconcelos et al 13 who verified in vitro and in vivo its antimicrobial potential in face of S. mutans, S. mitis and C. albicans, in concentrations that vary from 1:1 to 1:1024. The non-toxicity of this gel corresponded to ¼ below DL 50 .…”