Antagonistic properties of methanol extract of Elaeocarpus sphaericus leaves against in vitro growth, germ tube formation, adhesion and biofilm of Candida species

Abstract

The extracts of Elaeocarpus sphaericus (Roxb.) have shown antimicrobial activities against many pathogenic microbes including fungi. However, the effects of Elaeocarpus sphaericus have not been investigated against key virulence attributes of Candida. In the present study, methanol extract of Elaeocarpus sphaericus leaves was analysed against planktonic cells, hyphal growth, adhesion and biofilm formation of two most important fungal pathogens, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Methanol extract of Elaeocarpus sphaericus leaves was prepared by pressurized liquid extraction method. Inhibitory concentration of methanol extract of Elaeocarpus sphaericus leaves for both pathogens was determined by broth microdilution assay. Germ tube formation assay was performed to study the effect of the extract on hyphal transition. Effect of methanol extract of Elaeocarpus sphaericus leaves on adhesion and biofilm formation was investigated in microtiter plate using 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide reduction assay. IC50 values of the extract for Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were found between 0.625-1.25 mg/ml. Serum-induced germ tube development in Candida albicans was inhibited in presence of 5 mg/ml methanol extract. The extract remarkably inhibited in vitro adhesion and biofilm formation by Candida albicans and Candida glabrata in microtiter plates. The results of this study showed anticandida potential of methanol extract of Elaeocarpus sphaericus leaves.