Effects of Euterpe oleracea Mart. extract on Candida spp. biofilms

Problem of researchCandida spp. biofilms are complex microbial communities that have been associated with increasing resistance to clinically available antifungal drugs. Hence, novel pharmacological approaches with ability to inhibit biofilm formation have been investigated.Aim of studyThe aim was to analyze in vitro antifungal activity of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (acai berry) extract on biofilm strains of Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis that were formed on abiotic surfaces.Remarkable methodologyBiofilms of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis were grown in vitro. They were then treated with E. oleracea Mart. extract at different concentrations (7.8, 15.6, 31.2, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mu g/mL) for evaluation of both biofilm removal and anti-biofilm activity.Remarkable resultsAll Candida species analyzed formed biofilms on abiotic surfaces. Yet, increased biofilm formation was displayed for C. tropicalis in comparison with the other two species. E. oleracea Mart. extract was shown to inhibit biofilm formation at all concentrations used when compared to no treatment (p < 0.05).Significance of the studyIn the current study, the extract of E. oleracea Mart. demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis biofilms, regardless of the dose utilized. These results are important to evaluate a natural product as antifungal for Candida species.