Effect of aqueous extract from Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) on hydrophobicity, biofilm formation and adhesion in composite resin by Candida albicans.
OBJECTIVE
Azadirachta indica, a Meliaceae family tree, has been used in India for many years in the treatment of several diseases in medicine and dentistry. Current research analyses the effects of the leaf aqueous extract from Azadirachta indica (Neem) on the adhesion, cell surface hydrophobicity and biofilm formation, which may affect the colonisation by Candida albicans.


METHODS
Azadirachta indica extract was tested in vitro on strains of Candida albicans 12A and 156B. Changes in hydrophobicity were reported in assays of yeast adhesion to hydrocarbons, in biofilm formation with glucose and in the adhesion of the microorganisms on light cured composite resin. Assays involved enumeration of candidal colony-forming units together with scintillation counting of radiolabelled Candida and compared to a solution of chlorhexidine digluconate 0.125% widely used in dentistry.


RESULTS
Yeast growth in Neem extract was not inhibited in concentrations ranging from 0.1mg/ml. A statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in cell surface hydrophobicity was evident for the two strain tested and there was also an associated increase in biofilm formation after contact with Neem extract in concentration 0.01 g/ml. Decrease in adhesion capacity of cells to composite resin was also recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
An anti-adhesive mechanism of action by Azadirachta indica is proposed based on the results observed.
Polaquini
Sheila R B
SR
Dentistry Department, University Center of Maringá, Avenida Guedner 1610, 87050-390 Maringá, PR, Brazil.
Svidzinski
Terezinha I E
TI
Kemmelmeier
Carlos
C
Gasparetto
André
A
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D031601:Azadirachta; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003188:Composite Resins; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D000267:Tissue Adhesions
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D003188:Composite Resins; D010936:Plant Extracts