Effect of cnidoscolus urens (l.) arthur methanolic extract on virulence attributes of candida albicans sensu stricto

Candida albicans is one of the most prevalent pathogenic fungi worldwide and in recent decades has shown resistance to azoles and echinocandins. Therefore, the search for therapeutic alternatives is necessary in order to combat infections caused by this fungus. This study evaluated the chemical composition and the effects of Cnidoscolus urens methanolic extract, derived from the plant latex, on virulence attributes of C. albicans. The ability of the methanolic extract of C. urens to inhibit growth, interaction with abiotic substrates, biofilm formation and interaction with the RAW 264.7 cell line was investigated. The analysis of C. urens methanolic extract suggested the presence of quinic acid as a major latex component. Results of in vitro assays demonstrates that C. urens methanolic extract significantly inhibited growth, adhesion to the glass abiotic substrate, biofilm formation (pre-treatment stage) and interaction with the RAW 264.7 cell line. These results demonstrated that C. urens methanolic extract inhibited aspects associated with the virulence of C. albicans. These effects may be associated with quinic acid, a major component of C. urens latex, which indicates that quinic acid may be a promising new therapeutic agent in the treatment of candidiasis.