Terpenoids of plant origin inhibit morphogenesis, adhesion, and biofilm formation by Candida albicans

Biofouling. 2013;29(1):87-96. doi: 10.1080/08927014.2012.749398.

Abstract

Biofilm-related infections caused by Candida albicans and associated drug resistant micro-organisms are serious problems for immunocompromised populations. Molecules which can prevent or remove biofilms are needed. Twenty-eight terpenoids of plant origin were analysed for their activity against growth, virulence attributes, and biofilms of C. albicans. Eighteen molecules exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations of <2 mg ml(-1) for planktonic growth. Selected molecules inhibited yeast to hyphal dimorphism at low concentrations (0.031-0.5 mg ml(-1)), while adhesion to a solid surface was prevented at 0.5-2 mg ml(-1). Treatment with 14 terpenoids resulted in significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of biofilm formation, and of these, linalool, nerol, isopulegol, menthol, carvone, α-thujone, and farnesol exhibited biofilm-specific activity. Eight terpenoids were identified as inhibitors of mature biofilms. This study demonstrated the antibiofilm potential of terpenoids, which need to be further explored as therapeutic strategy against biofilm associated infections of C. albicans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anilides / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Candida albicans / drug effects*
  • Candida albicans / growth & development
  • Candida albicans / pathogenicity
  • Candida albicans / physiology*
  • Cell Adhesion / drug effects
  • Gentian Violet / chemistry
  • Hyphae / drug effects
  • Hyphae / growth & development
  • Hyphae / pathogenicity
  • Hyphae / physiology
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Oils, Volatile / administration & dosage
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology*
  • Terpenes / administration & dosage
  • Terpenes / pharmacology*
  • Tetrazolium Salts / chemistry
  • Virulence / drug effects

Substances

  • 2,3-bis (2-methyloxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide
  • Anilides
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Terpenes
  • Tetrazolium Salts
  • Gentian Violet