Phytochemical analysis and anticandidal efficacy of Azadirachta indica and Ficus benghalensis extracts for the management of denture stomatitis

Abstract

Introduction: Denture stomatitis may sometimes be associated with Candida especially in acrylic denture wearers with poor denture hygiene. With the appearance of drug resistant strains of Candida albicans, a need for an alternative method to prevent denture stomatitis has been recognized. This research project was done using Azadirachta indica leaf and Ficus benghalensis aerial root extracts, to evaluate and compare their anti- fungal effects. newlineMaterials and methods: Minimal inhibitory concentration of herbal extracts of A. indica and F. benghalensis were evaluated for an azole resistant and susceptible strain of C. albicans using various solvents. Fungal adhesion assay, antifungal efficacy, fibroblast cytotoxicity assay and flexural strength testing of acrylic resin discs treated previously with ethanolic herbal extracts were carried out. Phytochemical assay, GCMS, and FTIR were performed to detect the secondary metabolites of the plant extracts. Docking of identified molecules with candidal Nmyristoyltransferase receptor were carried out. newlineResults: The ethanolic herbal extracts were found to inhibit all fungal strains (MIC - 500 µg/ ml). The azole resistant strain showed intermediate adhesion to denture base resin discs immersed in ethanolic extract of A. indica and maximum adhesion to denture base resin discs treated with ethanolic extract of F. benghalensis in comparison with the other fungal strains. A substantial difference was noted in antifungal efficacy of pre-treated resin discs on all fungal strains. No signiand#64257;cant difference was seen between the pre-treated resin discs on fibroblast cytotoxicity testing and flexural strength testing. The binding strength of newlineviii newlinemolecules detected in the ethanolic leaf extract of A. indica with the protein receptor (1IYK) was favourable. newlineConclusion: The findings propose that the above-mentioned herbal extracts have a potent antifungal effect. Its effect on reduction in the attachment of viable C. albicans to acrylic denture surfaces, presents it as a prospective herbal medicinal substitute to conventional pharmaceutical antifungal drugs used for denture stomatitis. High negative docking energy value having compounds may qualify as a seed member for drug designing. newline