Garlic alters the expression of putative virulence factor genes SIR2 and ECE1 in vulvovaginal C. albicans isolates

Phytotherapy of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Narrative Review

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a real gynecological problem among women of reproductive age from 15 to 49. A recent analysis showed that 75% of women will have an occurrence at least once per year, while 5% are observed to have recurrent vaginal mycosis-these patients may become unwell four or more times a year. This pathology is caused in 85-90% of cases by fungi of the Candida albicans species. It represents an intractable medical problem for female patients due to pain and pruritus. Due to the observation of an increasing number of strains resistant to standard preparations and an increase in the recurrence of this pathology when using local or oral preferential therapy, such as fluconazole, an analysis was launched to develop alternative methods of treating VVC using herbs such as dill, turmeric, and berberine. An in-depth analysis of databases that include scientific articles from recent years made it possible to draw satisfactory conclusions supporting the validity of herbal therapy for the pathology in question. Although phytotherapy has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it appears to be a promising therapeutic solution for strains that are resistant to existing treatments. There is research currently undergoing aimed at comparing classical pharmacotherapy and herbal therapy in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis for the purpose of increasing medical competence and knowledge for the care of the health and long-term comfort of gynecological patients.

Candida die-off: Adverse effect and neutralization with phytotherapy approaches

Candida albicans is the main species that causes 3rd most common bloodstream infection candidiasis in hospitalization. Once it has been diagnosed and treated with antifungal medications accurately, large amounts of Candida cells are killed off rapidly known as Candida die-off or Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions. When Candida cells are killed off quickly, a large no. of toxic substances are released simultaneously. This flood of endotoxins is noxious (harmful) and causes the kidneys and liver to work overtime to try and remove them which causes worsening of symptoms in patients. As a complementary and holistic approach to addressing Candida die-off and its associated symptoms, plant-based remedies i.e., phytotherapy have been gaining increased attention. In this review paper, we have discussed major factors involved in provoking Candida die-off, their management by phytotherapy, challenges associated with the toxic effects due to die-off, and neutralization of Candida die-off through phytotherapy to manage this problem and challenges. In conclusion, this article serves as a meticulous compilation of knowledge on the intriguing subject of Candida die-off, presenting a distinct and informative perspective that has the potential to pave the way for new insights in the realm of plant-based antifungal therapeutics.

Antifungal effects of tulsi, garlic, cinnamon and lemongrass in powder and oil form on Candida albicans: An in vitro study

Introduction

The use of plants for treating diseases is as old as the human species. Medicinal plants have been a major source of therapeutic agents for alleviation and cure of diseases.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the antifungal activity of garlic, cinnamon, lemongrass and tulsi in powder and oil form at different concentrations on Candida albicans.

Materials and Methods

Powder and oil of garlic, cinnamon, lemongrass and Tulsi dissolved in inert solvent dimethyl formamide to obtain different concentration. Stock solution of different concentration was inoculated on Petri plates containing C. albicans and incubated at 30°C for 48 h. The inhibition zones were measured in millimeters using Vernier caliper. The collected data were analyzed using statistical test like mean value and one-way analysis of variance.

Results

Maximum zone of inhibition for the C. albicans was 42 mm at concentrations of 50% for the oil of lemongrass; followed by cinnamon 40 mm, garlic 24 mm and tulsi 20 mm. The P value obtained 0.050, 0.040, 0.036 and 0.031 were found to be statically significant for C. albicans at 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% concentrations of the various oil preparations, respectively. The P value obtained 0.043, 0.033, 0.032 and 0.027 were found to be statically significant for C. albicans at 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% concentrations of various plant powder, respectively.

Conclusions

Lemongrass and cinnamon oil shows best antifungal effect against C. albicans as compared to garlic and tulsi. Compared to powder preparations, the oil preparations are better to inhibit the growth and higher the concentrations, greater the zone of inhibition seen in all the plant extracts and in oil.

Pharmacotherapeutic Potential of Garlic in Age-Related Neurological Disorders

Age-related neurological disorders [ANDs] involve neurodegenerative diseases [NDDs] such as Alzheimer's disease [AD], the most frequent kind of dementia in elderly people, and Parkinson's disease [PD], and also other disorders like epilepsy and migraine. Although ANDs are multifactorial, Aging is a principal risk factor for them. The common and most main pathologic features among ANDs are inflammation, oxidative stress, and misfolded proteins accumulation. Since failing brains caused by ANDs impose a notable burden on public health and their incidence is increasing, a lot of works has been done to overcome them. Garlic, Allium sativum, has been used for different medical purposes globally and more than thousands of publications have reported its health benefits. Garlic and aged garlic extract are considered potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidants agents and can have remarkable neuroprotective effects. This review is aimed to summarize knowledge on the pharmacotherapeutic potential of garlic and its components in ANDs.

Plant Preparations and Compounds with Activities against Biofilms Formed by Candida spp

Fungi from the genus Candida are very important human and animal pathogens. Many strains can produce biofilms, which inhibit the activity of antifungal drugs and increase the tolerance or resistance to them as well. Clinically, this process leads to persistent infections and increased mortality. Today, many Candida species are resistant to drugs, including C. auris, which is a multiresistant pathogen. Natural compounds may potentially be used to combat multiresistant and biofilm-forming strains. The aim of this review was to present plant-derived preparations and compounds that inhibit Candida biofilm formation by at least 50%. A total of 29 essential oils and 16 plant extracts demonstrate activity against Candida biofilms, with the following families predominating: Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Apiacae. Lavandula dentata (0.045–0.07 mg/L), Satureja macrosiphon (0.06–8 mg/L), and Ziziphora tenuior (2.5 mg/L) have the best antifungal activity. High efficacy has also been observed with Artemisia judaica, Lawsonia inermis, and Thymus vulgaris. Moreover, 69 plant compounds demonstrate activity against Candida biofilms. Activity in concentrations below 16 mg/L was observed with phenolic compounds (thymol, pterostilbene, and eugenol), sesquiterpene derivatives (warburganal, polygodial, and ivalin), chalconoid (lichochalcone A), steroidal saponin (dioscin), flavonoid (baicalein), alkaloids (waltheriones), macrocyclic bisbibenzyl (riccardin D), and cannabinoid (cannabidiol). The above compounds act on biofilm formation and/or mature biofilms. In summary, plant preparations and compounds exhibit anti-biofilm activity against Candida. Given this, they may be a promising alternative to antifungal drugs.

Potential Health Benefit of Garlic Based on Human Intervention Studies: A Brief Overview

Garlic is a polyphenolic and organosulfur enriched nutraceutical spice consumed since ancient times. Garlic and its secondary metabolites have shown excellent health-promoting and disease-preventing effects on many human common diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, blood pressure, and diabetes, through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering properties, as demonstrated in several in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the consumption of garlic, garlic preparation, garlic extract, and garlic extract-derived bioactive constituents on oxidative stress, inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, skin, bone, and other common diseases. Among the 83 human interventional trials considered, the consumption of garlic has been reported to modulate multiple biomarkers of different diseases; in addition, its combination with drugs or other food matrices has been shown to be safe and to prolong their therapeutic effects. The rapid metabolism and poor bioavailability that have limited the therapeutic use of garlic in the last years are also discussed.