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.
Highlights
The genus Candida contains about 150 species; most are environmental organisms
The most medically important is Candida albicans, which accounts for about 80%
Candida non-albicans species that are mainly responsible for infections are C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, and C. dubliniensis [2]
Summary
The genus Candida contains about 150 species; most are environmental organisms. The most medically important is Candida albicans, which accounts for about 80%. C. albicans causes more than 400,000 cases of bloodstream life-threatening infections annually, with a mortality rate of about 42% [1]. Candida non-albicans species that are mainly responsible for infections are C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, and C. dubliniensis [2]. C. albicans is a member of the commensal microflora. It colonizes the oral mucosal surface of 30–50% of healthy people. The rate of carriage increases with age and in persons with dental prostheses up to 60% [4,5,6]. Opportunistic infection caused by Candida species is termed candidiasis. At least one episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis (or thrush) concerns
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