The n-butanol extract from Pulsatilla decoction has been proven effective in hindering the growth of Candida albicans, a key virulence factor in infections.
The inhibitory effect of the n-butanol extract from Pulsatilla Decoction (BEPD) on C. albicans was predicted by transcriptome analysis, supported by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The experiment involved preparing BEPD and culturing C. albicans to induce the hyphal state. Subsequently, a transcriptome analysis presented the critical differences in genes and signaling pathways in BEPD's inhibitory effect on hyphae. Multiple observation methods were utilised to determine the effect on hyphal structure, growth activity, lipid peroxidation, peroxidase activity, superoxide activity, and cell apoptosis. Finally, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to examine gene expressions linked to endoplasmic reticulum and peroxisome functionality.
The studies suggested significant inhibition of C. albicans hyphae growth by BEPD. Observations confirmed damage to cell structures and organelles and a decrease in hyphae vitality. The extract was found to suppress the operation of the endoplasmic reticulum and peroxisomes. It effectively elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis, signalling endoplasmic reticulum stress. In animal testing, it effectively impeded hyphae growth, consequently reducing immune response damage in mouse subjects. This research suggests that the BEPD presents potential use in therapy for C. albicans infectious diseases via hyphae inhibition.
