Antifungal effect of Sticophus hermanii and Holothuria atra extract and its cytotoxicity on gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cell

Abstract

Background: Sea cucumber had been acknowledged to have some medical properties Sticophus hermanii and Holothuria atra are species of sea cucumber which has been known to have antifungal properties thus potentially explored as therapeutic agent in oral candidiasis. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the antifungal property Sticophus hermanii and Holothuria atra extract against Candida albicans and its cytotoxicity to human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cell. Methods: The study was an experimental laboratories research with post test only control group design. Methanolic extract of Sticophus hermanii and Holothuria atra in concentrations of 1%, 0.5%; 0.25%; 0.13%, 0.07%; 0.03%, 0.02% and 0.01%; were tested its cytotoxicity on gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cell. Cell viability were measured by MTT assay. The antifungal property against Candida albicans was tested by disk diffusion method. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by LSD. Results: Extract of Sticophus hermanii showed no cytotoxicity in all concentrations (p>0.05), while Holothuria atra showed toxicity in the concentration of 1% and not cytotoxic in the concentrations below (p<0.05). Both sea cucumber extract could inhibit the growth Candida albicans, in vitro, proved by the clear zone around the disc in all concentrations (p<0.05). Conclusion: Stichopus hermanii and Holothuria atra extract had the antifungal effect against Candida albicans. Sea cucumber extract were not cytotoxic togingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cell in the concentration of Sticophus hermanii ≤ 1% and Holothuria atra ≤ 0.5%.