The effect of Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia on Candida albicans proteinase and phospholipase production and adherence to oral epithelial cells

Aim of the studyThis study investigated effect of a crude extract of Dodonaea viscosa on the proteinase and phospholipase production and adherence to epithelial cells by Candida albicans isolated from HIV positive and HIV negative patients.Materials and methodsTwenty Candida albicans strains isolated from HIV positive and 20 from HIV negative patients were investigated. The isolates were exposed to subinhibitory concentration of crude plant extract and adherence, proteinase and phospholipase production were assessed. The results were analysed using Student's t-test and a two-way ANOVA.ResultsDodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia inhibited the adherence of Candida albicans to oral epithelial cells (p = <0.01) but no significant effect of the plant extract on proteinase and phospholipase production was observed. Results from Candida albicans strains isolated from HIV positive and HIV negative patients were similar.ConclusionsDodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia inhibited the adherence of Candida albicans to oral epithelial cells, which is the initial step of colonization in the infection process. This plant has a therapeutic potential at subinhibitory concentration.