The influence of Azadirachta indica, Melaleuca alternifolia, and Cocos nucifera on Candida albicans strain in tissue conditioner at varying time intervals

The potential role of plant secondary metabolites on antifungal and immunomodulatory effect

With the widespread use of antibiotic drugs worldwide and the global increase in the number of immunodeficient patients, fungal infections have become a serious threat to global public health security. Moreover, the evolution of fungal resistance to existing antifungal drugs is on the rise. To address these issues, the development of new antifungal drugs or fungal inhibitors needs to be targeted urgently. Plant secondary metabolites are characterized by a wide variety of chemical structures, low price, high availability, high antimicrobial activity, and few side effects. Therefore, plant secondary metabolites may be important resources for the identification and development of novel antifungal drugs. However, there are few studies to summarize those contents. In this review, the antifungal modes of action of plant secondary metabolites toward different types of fungi and fungal infections are covered, as well as highlighting immunomodulatory effects on the human body. This review of the literature should lay the foundation for research into new antifungal drugs and the discovery of new targets. KEY POINTS: • Immunocompromised patients who are infected the drug-resistant fungi are increasing. • Plant secondary metabolites toward various fungal targets are covered. • Plant secondary metabolites with immunomodulatory effect are verified in vivo.

Synthesis and application of titanium dioxide photocatalysis for energy, decontamination and viral disinfection: a review

Global pollution is calling for advanced methods to remove contaminants from water and wastewater, such as TiO₂-assisted photocatalysis.  The environmental applications of titanium dioxide have started after the initial TiO₂ application for water splitting by Fujishima and Honda in 1972. TiO₂ is now used for self-cleaning surfaces, air and water purification systems, microbial inactivation and selective organic conversion. The synthesis of titanium dioxide nanomaterials with high photocatalytic activity is actually a major challenge. Here we review titanium dioxide photocatalysis with focus on mechanims, synthesis, and applications. Synthetic methods include sol-gel, sonochemical, microwave, oxidation, deposition, hydro/solvothermal, and biological techniques. Applications comprise the production of energy, petroleum recovery, and the removal of microplastics, pharmaceuticals, metals, dyes, pesticides, and of viruses such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Individual and Synergistic Effects of Tea Tree Oil and Neem Extract on Candida albicans Adhesion to Denture Soft Liner

Background

Inflammation is present in denture stomatitis. Denture stomatitis's etiology is complex, but there is evidence that it is brought on by Candida albicans growing in biofilms on its surface.

Objective

This study aimed to examine and assess the effectiveness of several herbal products, such as tea tree oil and neem extracts, on Candida albicans adhesion to denture soft liners.

Method

Each wall of the tissue culture plate was filled with 30 acrylic blocks lined with soft liners, followed by the addition of 0.1 ml of the standardized Candida albicans suspension, which was then left to incubate for 48 hours. Each specimen was placed in a disinfectant solution for 10 minutes. A colony was counted after 0.1ml of the solution was plated on a sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) plate and cultured for 72 hours. Data were compared using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

Results

The mean colony forming units (CFU) per ml for combined tea tree oil and neem extract was least (0.40), followed by tea tree oil (2.30), followed by neem extract (30.33). The treated blocks were effective in reducing the growth of Candida albicans.

Conclusion

Combining tea tree oil and neem extract significantly reduced the growth of Candida albicans, suggesting a new form of intraoral effective antifungal treatment.

Comparative evaluation of efficacy of three different denture cleansing methods in reducing Candida albicans count in removable partial denture wearers: A randomized controlled trial

Aims

The study aims to find out the best possible method of cleaning the removable partial denture (RPD) by evaluating the Candida count limiting ability in RPD users using three different cleaning methods.

Settings and Design

The present study is randomized controlled trial. Three groups were formed with 20 participants in each. The groups were Group 1 RPD cleansing done using sterile saline and denture brush (negative control group), Group 2 RPD cleansing done using soap and denture brush and Group 3 RPD cleansing done using denture cleansing tablet and denture brush.

Materials and Methods

A baseline data and 15 days' postinsertion data of Candida count was recorded using swab collection, from the RPDs given. The swab was collected, cultured, and incubated using standard methods. Once Candida was identified using Sabouraud's dextrose agar, Candida albicans was further confirmed using germ tube test and cornmeal agar.

Statistical Analysis Used

The analysis was done using SPSS software (IBM Corp. Released 2010. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 19.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Paired t-test, was used to compare the number of colonies pre and postintervention. The difference between the groups was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc analysis.

Results

The comparison of baseline data and postintervention data within each group using paired t test demonstrated statistically significant values; P = 0.046 and 0.000 in Group 2 and 3 respectively. The difference between the Candida colonies in three different groups after the intervention (15 Days) was analyzed using analysis of variance and found to be statistically significant with P = 0.004. Tukey's post hoc analysis was used to analyze the difference between the groups. It was concurred that there was a statistically significant difference between all three groups, but the difference in the mean was highest between the Group 1 and 3 (1210.99).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the study, it is concluded that the use of denture cleansers and brush on a daily basis would actively reduce the number of C. albicans colony formation in RPD and thereby improve the overall health of denture wearer.