Persian Shallot (Allium ascalonicum Linn.) has been proven to possess some antimicrobial properties against some of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Indeed the aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal properties of several Persian Shallot extracts against important Candida species. In the first stage the preliminary screening of antifungal activity was determined by disc diffusion test. The effective extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) were proceeded to obtain minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using broth microdilution test and time-kill study was also performed at time intervals. Results showed that the Shallot-hexane extract was more effective in terms of Candida species growth. Subsequently, the effects of the extracts on C. albicans biofilm were determined using XTT assay. Finally the expression level of a crucial gene involved in biofilm formation in C. albicans was analysed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The MIC was ranged from 5-600 µg/mL for different species of Candida. Moreover in time-kill study, no colonies were observed at 1× MIC after 24 h of incubation period. On the other hand, XTT assay showed the significant reduction of biofilm in Candida-treated by Shallotat level p<0.05. Eventually the expression level of HWP1 was down regulated through the semi-quantitative RT-PCR (p< 0.05). The present study indicates that HWP1 could be one of the possible targets of Shallot to inhibit biofilm in C. albicans.
Candida species, Allium ascalonicum Linn., HWP1, Biofilm
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