The beneficial effect of Equisetum giganteum L. against Candida biofilm formation: new approaches to denture stomatitis

• Grant number: 15/15053-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
• Duration: November 01, 2015 - April 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Vanessa Soares Lara
• Grantee: Vanessa Soares Lara
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Equisetum giganteum L. (E. giganteum), Equisetaceae, commonly called "giant horsetail", is an endemic plant of Central and South America, and is used in traditional medicine as diuretic, hemostatic, urinary disorders, inflammatory conditions and among other applications. The chemical composition of the extract EtOH 70% of E. giganteum has shown a clear presence of phenolic compounds derived from caffeic and ferulic acids, flavonoid heterosides derived from quercitin and kaempferol, in addition to styrylpyrones. E. giganteum, mainly at the highest concentrations, showed antimicrobial activity against the relevant microorganisms tested: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and C. albicans. It also demonstrated antiadherent activity on C. albicans biofilms in an experimental model that is similar to dentures. Moreover, all concentrations tested showed anti-inflammatory activity. The extract did not show cytotoxicity in contact with human cells. These properties might qualify E. giganteum extract into a promising alternative for the topic treatment and prevention of oral candidiasis and denture stomatitis. (AU)