Abstract
Candida is a genus of yeast acting as an aetiologic agent of both superficial and invasive infections, referred to as candidiasis. Over time, there has been an increased resistance to the conventional treatment of Candida species, especially Candida auris, resulting in a greater demand for alternative methods of treatment. Punica granatum (P. granatum), commonly known as pomegranate, possesses various pharmacological and toxicological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-angiogenesis activities. No previous research has been done on the antifungal effect of homeopathic P. granatum mother tincture (Ø) on clinically relevant Candida strains.
The aim of this research was to determine the antifungal effects of homeopathically prepared P. granatum Ø on clinically relevant strains of Candida species in-vitro, by means of the 96-well plate Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) technique.
This quantitative in-vitro experimental research study took place at the Water and Health Research Centre (WHRC), Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), with permission granted. For this laboratory study, the impact of the P. granatum Ø on clinical Candida strains (n= 25) was tested using the 96-well plate MIC method. The optical density was measured at 510 nm to quantitatively measure growth. Data was expressed as ‘percentage growth inhibition’ when compared to the untreated strain, and the MIC was determined as the lowest possible concentration of P. granatum which inhibited Candida growth. Tests were repeated in triplicate with appropriate controls included to ensure that the results are repeatable and trustworthy. For this experiment, the student was fully trained and supervised by a laboratory technician.
This study concluded the action of the P. granatum Ø tested against strains by making use of standard and validated techniques and methodologies. The percentage of inhibition of the solvent carrier with P. granatum Ø, showed higher percentage inhibitions than ethanol alone. This illustrated that the effectiveness of the tincture cannot be solely attributed to the ethanol content of the solvent, but it is rather due to
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the effect of plant compounds or a possible synergistic effect of the ethanol and the active constituents of P. granatum Ø.
P. granatum Ø displayed antifungal activity in all four serial dilutions against C. albicans, by means of positive percentage inhibitions. Furthermore, it showed inhibition of C. auris and other strains such as C. glabrata, C. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis, in all four dilutions, thereby displaying antifungal activity. Although
P. granatum Ø effectiveness decreased with time and dilutions, it maintained higher percentages of growth inhibition compared to the antibiotic and solvent. Since the control antibiotic expressed low inhibition percentages, and the tincture expressed high percentage inhibition, it is possible that these inhibitors may have a greater effect when used in combination against C. auris. Combination therapy may expand antimicrobial spectrum, allow for increased drug efficiency, help prevent resistant Candida strains. A therapeutic effect may also be achieved at lower doses, and this may reduce side effects of drugs and minimise the risk of toxicity.
These results are encouraging as antifungal effects were noted against commonly found C. albicans spp., as well as resistant spp., such as C. auris. However, additional in vitro studies, using more sensitive methodologies may further support these results.
The study thus concluded that homeopathically prepared P. granatum Ø displays antifungal properties on clinically relevant strains of Candida species in-vitro. This preparation could provide a probable and sustainable option for treatment against fungal infections and serves as basis for further research on homeopathy medicines as viable medical option in future.