Synergistic effects of tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate and antimycotics against oral Candida species

• EGCG enhances the antifungal effects of antimycotics against oral Candida biofilms.
• Biofilm cells are more resistant to EGCG and antimycotics than planktonic cells.
• Combination of EGCG and antimycotics may lower dosages of antifungal agents.

ObjectiveEpigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major antimicrobial tea polyphenol, has been reported to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans planktonic cells and enhance the antifungal activity of antimycotics. We hypothesised that synergism exists between EGCG and conventional antimycotics against biofilms of Candida species.DesignThe minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of EGCG, miconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B against planktonic cells and the sessile MIC (SMIC) against biofilms of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida kefyr and Candida krusei were determined by a microdilution method. For assessment of biofilm metabolic activity, the 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay was used. The interactions between EGCG and antimycotics were evaluated by checkerboard microdilution assay and determined by fractional inhibitory concentration index (FIC).ResultsSynergism was observed between EGCG and miconazole, fluconazole or amphotericin B against most test planktonic and biofilm cells of Candida species (FIC ≤ 0.5). All biofilm cells were significantly more resistant to EGCG and antimycotics (20–3200 times higher) compared with their planktonic counterparts.ConclusionsWe conclude that EGCG enhances the antifungal effects of miconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B. Combined treatment with EGCG may lower the dosages of antimycotics, thus preventing adverse effects and the emergence of drug-resistant oral Candida species.