Evaluation of Anti-<i>Candida</i> Potential of <i>Piper nigrum</i> Extract in Inhibiting Growth, Yeast-Hyphal Transition, Virulent Enzymes, and Biofilm Formation
2022
Claudia Patrícia Bravo-Chaucanés | Yerly Vargas-Casanova | Luis Carlos Chitiva-Chitiva | Andrés Ceballos-Garzon | Geison Modesti-Costa | Claudia Marcela Parra-Giraldo
Due to the increased incidence of fungal infections and the emergence of antifungal resistance mainly by <i>Candida</i> species, the need for safe and effective novel therapies is imperative. Consequently, plants and herbs are a powerful source to combat infections. Here, we evaluated the anti-<i>Candida</i> potential of an ethanolic extract from <i>Piper nigrum.</i> The phytochemical analysis of <i>P. nigrum</i> revealed bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and tannis. Our results showed that <i>P. nigrum</i> extract suppressed the virulence factors of <i>C. albicans</i> strains, including hyphae formation in both liquid and solid media, reduced secretion of phospholipases/proteinases, and affected biofilm formation. Furthermore, the <i>P. nigrum</i> extract showed no hemolytic effect in vitro and exhibited reduced cytotoxicity on Vero cells and <i>G. mellonella</i> larvae at concentrations that inhibited hyphae and biofilm in <i>C. albicans.</i> Moreover, the extract demonstrated antifungal activity against <i>C. auris</i> strains. In conclusion, the <i>P. nigrum</i> extract affected the growth and morphogenesis of <i>Candida</i> (even in resistant strains), demonstrating that this plant has an anti-candida activity and represents a promising resource for discovering novel antifungal compounds.
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