Dioscin Inhibits Virulence Factors ofCandida albicans

Abstract

Candida albicansinfections present a heavy burden upon public health, with only a few drugs available, while biofilms formed byC. albicansworsen this situation. Dioscin has antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects, and this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dioscin on the biofilm formation and development, as well as other virulence factors ofC. albicanssuch as morphological transition, adhesion, and extracellular secreted phospholipase. Our results showed dioscin inhibits these virulence factors and has low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Considering protective effects of dioscin against damage on liver and kidney, dioscin may be used as a potential candidate for antifungal development.