Exploring the antifungal potential of Annona muricata leaf extract-loaded hydrogel in treating vulvovaginal candidiasis

• Published in: Colloids and surfaces, B, Biointerfaces B, Biointerfaces, 2024-06, Vol.238, p.113919-113919, Article 113919
• Main Authors: Campos, Lara Melo, de Oliveira Lemos, Ari Sérgio, de Lima Paula, Priscila, da Rocha, Vinícius Novaes, de Freitas Araújo, Marcelo Gonzaga, Tavares, Guilherme Diniz, Barradas, Thais Nogueira, Nascimento, Wesley William Gonçalves, Denadai, Angelo Mácio Leite, de Oliveira, Luiz Fernando Cappa, Fabri, Rodrigo Luiz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Annona - chemistry; Annona muricata; Antifungal Agents - chemistry; Antifungal Agents - pharmacology; Candida albicans - drug effects; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal - drug therapy; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal - microbiology; Carbopol®-based hydrogel; Female; Hydrogels - chemistry; Hydrogels - pharmacology; Mice; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plant Extracts - chemistry; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant Leaves - chemistry; Rheology; Rheology characterization; Vulvovaginal candidiasis
• ISSN: 0927-7765; 1873-4367
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113919

Vulvovaginal candidiasis, mostly caused by Candida albicans, remains a prevalent concern in women's health. Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), a plant native from Brazil, is well-known for its therapeutic potential, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This study presents an innovative hydrogel formulation containing the ethanolic extract from A. muricata leaves designed to control C. albicans in an in vivo model of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Here, we report the development, thermal, physicochemical and rheological characterization of a Carbopol®-based hydrogel containing A. muricata extract. Furthermore, we evaluated its activity in a vulvovaginal candidiasis in vivo model. Thermal analyses indicated that the addition of the extract increased the polymer-polymer and polymer-solvent interactions.Rheological analysis showed a decrease in the viscosity and elasticity of the formulation as the A. muricata extract concentration increased, suggesting a liquid-like behavior. After treatment with the Carbopol®-based hydrogel with A. muricata, our in vivo results showed a significant reduction in vulvovaginal fungal burden and infection, as well as a reduction in mucosal inflammation. The current research opens up possibilities for the application of the Carbopol®-based hydrogel with A. muricata as a natural therapeutic option for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. •Rheological analyzes for hydrogel containing A. muricata extract (AME) indicated intermolecular interactions.•In vivo assays (vulvovaginal candidiasis - VVC) show that the hydrogel is able to reduce fungal infection.•Hydrogel is a promising antifungal formulation for VVC therapy.