The Beneficial Effect ofEquisetum giganteumL. againstCandidaBiofilm Formation: New Approaches to Denture Stomatitis

Abstract

Equisetum giganteumL. (E. giganteum), Equisetaceae, commonly called “giant horsetail,” is an endemic plant of Central and South America and is used in traditional medicine as diuretic and hemostatic in urinary disorders and in inflammatory conditions among other applications. The chemical composition of the extract EtOH 70% ofE. giganteumhas shown a clear presence of phenolic compounds derived from caffeic and ferulic acids and flavonoid heterosides derived from quercitin and kaempferol, in addition to styrylpyrones.E. giganteum, mainly at the highest concentrations, showed antimicrobial activity against the relevant microorganisms tested:Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus, andCandida albicans. It also demonstrated antiadherent activity onC. albicansbiofilms in an experimental model that is similar to dentures. Moreover, all concentrations tested showed anti-inflammatory activity. The extract did not show cytotoxicity in contact with human cells. These properties might qualifyE. giganteumextract to be a promising alternative for the topic treatment and prevention of oral candidiasis and denture stomatitis.