[ rapid method for extraction of water soluble beta[1,3] glucan from the cell wall of candida albicans]

In recent decades, beta-glucans have been used as important complementary and alternative medicines for numerous immunocompromised individuals and those with advanced cancer. The most active form of beta-glucans is beta[1,3]D-glucan and its most common source is cell wall of Candida albicans. Recently it has been introduced as a nano particle design to be used as a carrier for drug delivery. The current study researches a rapid method for the extraction of beta[1,3]D-glucans. The present study was conducted at Tarbiat Modares Medical University in 2012. Candida solubilized beta-glucans were obtained by oxidation of the cell wall with sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide. The particle part could be solubilized by treatment with dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO] and zymolyase digestion to extract beta[1,3]Dglucan. The soluble fractions were lyophilized. We performed the Callose test to verify the presence of beta[1,3]D-glucans. Solubilized fractions were dissolved in D2O and 1HNMR spectra were measured. The soluble beta[1,3]D-glucan fraction which was derived from 1 g of dried Candida albicans germ tube weighed 190 mg. beta[1,3]D-glucan was verified by the Callose test and [1]H-NMR test compared with Curdlan [standard]. [1]H-NMR spectra verified the existence of beta[1,3]D-glucan in the final product. In the present study, extraction of beta[1,3]D-glucan by oxidation of the cell wall using sodium hypochlorite yielded more pure beta[1,3]D-glucans in comparison with other extraction methods. Thus it might represent a rapid method of extraction.

Antifungal effect of green tea leaf [Camellia sinensis] polyphenols on Candida albicans

In this study the susceptibility of Candida albicans to inhibitory effect of polyphenols under varying time [24 and 48 hours] conditions were evaluated. Green tea leaf polyphenols were extracted and analyzed by chromatography.Among polyphenols, Catechin showed stronger antifungal activity against C. albicans PTCC-5027. Catechin1 s M1C90 [The concentration of Catechin causing 90% growth inhibition of tested strain of C. albicans] and MFC [The minimum antifungal susceptibility of Catechin] were determined by Macro dilution test and calculation after 24 and 48 hours.; The antifungal activity of Catechin was time dependent. Catechin's MIC for 0.5 xl0[3], Ixl0[3] and 2x10[3] cells/ml was 12.5, 25 and 100 mg/ml after 24h respectively. The results after 48h for 0.5xl0[3], Ixl0[3] and 2x10[3] cells/ml were 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/ml respectively. Fluconazol was tested on C. albicans PTCC-5027 and the results indicated that this strain of Candida is fluconazol resistant. Data shown are from three separate experiments and were analysed statistically. C. albicans PTCC-5027 is fluconazol resistant, however green tea leaf polyphenols especially Catechin could inhibit the growth of this yeast at MIC and MFC concentrations. On the basis of the obtained results the green tea leaf contains effective antifungal components. Since the common and generic antifungal drugs possess some side effects and also there is an increasing drug resistance, it is hoped that consumption of herbal drugs may help to cure fungal diseases and to avoid the side effects of antimycotics as a good replacement