Investigating the antifungal potential of Cardamom extract and its role in attenuating virulence in Candida albicans | ||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 13 September 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.406895.3047 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Sushree Swagatika Subhadarsini1; Gopal Krishna Purohit* 2, 3; Samapika Suhasini2; Monali Priyadarsini Misra1; Shreeram Behera2; Lalli Smurthi Sahoo4 | ||
| 1School of Paramedics and Allied Health Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Jatani, Khurda, Odisha, India | ||
| 2Heredity Biosciences, Plot No- 818, Mayfair Lagoon Road, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India | ||
| 3Herrick Healthcare, Mayfair Tarini Temple Road, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar, India | ||
| 4Department of Microbiology, IMS AND SUM Hospital Campus-2, Phulnakhara, Cuttack, India | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that causes infections in immunocompromised individuals. With increasing antifungal resistance, exploring plant-derived compounds is crucial. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the antifungal activity of the cardamom methanolic extract against Candida albicans and its effects on fungal virulence factors, including biofilm formation, germ tube development, and enzymatic secretion. This study evaluated cardamom extract's antifungal potential and effects on Candida albicans pathogenic mechanisms to identify natural therapeutic agents. Methods: Dried Elettaria cardamomum seeds were extracted with methanol via Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemical screening detected active constituents, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, quinones, and amino acids. The antifungal activity of the extract was assessed using the well diffusion method and a broth microdilution assay. Its impact on virulence factors—biofilm production, germ tube formation, and extracellular enzyme activities—was evaluated. Results: The cardamom extract showed significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with 12-20 mm inhibition zones, indicating dose-dependent efficacy. Phytochemical analysis confirmed compounds known for antimicrobial activity. The extract inhibited biofilm formation, reduced germ tube development, and suppressed the production of enzymes, which are critical virulence factors. These results indicate the extract restricts fungal growth and disrupts pathogenic mechanisms. Conclusion: This study established the antifungal potential of cardamom extract against Candida albicans, which affects fungal growth and virulence traits. The extract's constituents impair biofilm formation, hyphal transformation, and enzymatic activity, essential for Candida's invasion. These findings support the traditional use of cardamom and suggest its potential use as a natural antifungal agent. Further in vivo studies and clinical validations are needed to explore its therapeutic efficacy. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Candida albicans; Cardamom extract; Antifungal activity; Virulence factors; Biofilm inhibition | ||
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