Fungistatic effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. on the metabolism changes of Candida albicans

Context: Candida albicans is a pathological agent that triggers oral candidiasis because C. albicans can adapt to changes to increase growth and adhesion through biofilm formation mechanisms. Moringa oleifera Lam. has been reported to have fungistatic properties and increases the metabolism change of C. albicans. Aims: To evaluate the fungistatic effect of M. oleifera leaves ethanolic extract (MOLE) on the metabolism changes of C. albicans cells associated with growth and biofilm formation. Methods: The assessment of metabolism changes (stress response and metabolic alterations) of C. albicans by the action of MOLE was performed by mean of FTIR, growth assessment by spectrophotometry, biofilm formation with 1% crystal violet, also read by spectrophotometry, and observation of biofilm mass with a microscope. Results: MOLE showed substantial absorption values based on topological polar surface area (<140 A2). Concentrations of 25% and 6.25% of MOLE increased the stress response (metabolism changes) of C. albicans (66-75%), meanwhile 50% and nystatin (100.000 IU/mL) were similar in inducing metabolism changes of C. albicans. All concentrations of M. oleifera could inhibit the growth of C. albicans at all incubation times (24, 48, and 72 h) with an Optical Density (OD) of 0.02-0.05 (<300 CFU/mL) and were able to degrade the biofilm formation of C. albicans on a scale substantial at 24 and 48 h (OD>0.4), and moderate scale at 72 h (OD 0.2-0.39). Conclusions: The extract of M. oleifera has increased metabolism changes (stress response) of C. albicans cells, which correlate with the ability to inhibit growth and biofilm formation for 24, 48, and 72 h.