Growth inhibitory response and ultrastructural modification of oral-associated candidal reference strains (ATCC) by Piper betle L. extract

Abstract

An extract from the tropical vine plant Piper betle can combat Candida yeast infections, according to researchers in Malaysia. Candida species are natural components of the flora in the oral cavity, but may cause infections when the immune system fails. Also, some Candida strains have become resistant to antifungal medicines. Inspired by the effectiveness of some popular natural medicines, Mohd-Al-Faisal Nordin and co-workers at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur tested the antifungal properties of Piper betle, a member of the pepper family that is used to treat asthma, halitosis and other conditions. After adding Piper betle extract to Candida cell cultures, the researchers saw strongly reduced Candida populations and damaged Candida cells. These results point to the potential use of Piper betle in future oral healthcare products.

Keywords

antifungal activity / Candida / cell morphology / growth inhibitory effect / Piper betle L.

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