Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 21: 1265 - 1276. Published September 7, 2009.
Combating oral candidiasis in albino rats using bioactive fraction of Acorus calamus
Subha T.S*. and Gnanamani A.
Microbiology Division, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 600 020
*Corresponding author email: subhatss@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Objective: Candida albicans causes oral candidiasis (thrush) in immunocompromised individuals. The predisposing factors include a) Xerostomia; b) Antibiotic therapy; c) Poor oral or denture hygiene; d) Malnutrition/Gastrointestinal mal absorption; e) Iron, folic acid, or vitamin deficiencies; f) Acidic saliva/Carbohydrate-rich diets; g) Heavy smoking; and h) Oral epithelial dysplasia.
Combating these infections is cumbersome, as there is often reoccurrence. The existing conventional drugs pose several undesirable side effects. Hence there has been a continuous need for new drugs, especially the biocompatible and bio – based drugs. In earlier laboratory studies using methanolic extract of Acorus calamus, it was found that the active fraction of the methanolic extracts were able to control the biofilm formation of Candida spp. and more over the extracts were able to kill the biofilm cells to 100%. Biofilm formation is one of the pivotal factors in establishing the infections in the host. In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate the effect of active fraction of the methanolic extract of Acorus calamus to combat oral candidiasis under in vivo conditions.
Methodology and results: Rhizomes of Acorus calamus was obtained from the medicinal farm of Dharmapuri, India. The rhizomes were shade dried and coarsely powdered. The methanolic extract obtained using the powder was further fractionated and the active fractions were used for this study. Oral Candiasis model was created using Albino wistar rats. Candida isolates used for this study was isolated from patients suffering from oral candiasis (SRMC). The invitro efficacy was already tested (results not shown) and hence the in vivo testing using albino rats model was executed. Infections was created in the oral cavity and left untreated for four days till the symptoms of the disease were well established. The rats were then treated with that of the Active fractions, Ketoconazole and Saline. The Microbial load was continuously assessed. Morphological, hematological and biochemical, histopathological, microbiological and SEM analyses revealed, that the evaluated plant based compound effectively controlled the oral candidiasis within a short period of time (5days) compared to positive control. The effectiveness of the active fraction was evaluated on the basis of the physical and microbiological examination. The study primarily focuses on the gradual reduction in microbial load from the infection site while treating with active fraction, conventional drug Ketoconazole, and Saline.
Conclusion and application of findings: From the studies it was found that the active fraction was able to control the infections under both invitro and invivo conditions. After further research the active fraction can be used as a potent drug to combat fungal infections.
Key words: Oral candiasis,Acorus calamus,Candida albicans
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