The carbonisation process enhances the ability of Sanguisorbae Radix (an herbal medicine) to inhibit yeast-to-hypha transition and biofilm formation in Candida albicans by significantly increasing the levels of ellagic and pyrogallic acids.
The methodology involved creating a vulvovaginal candidiasis mouse model to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Charred Sanguisorbae Radix (CSR). This was followed by an assessment of the inhibitory activities of CSR on Candida albicans, looking particularly at biofilm formation and hyphal growth. These investigations were carried out through quantitative biofilm analysis, morphological observations, and in vitro gene expression studies. An analysis was also conducted of the impact of carbonisation on the composition of the active compounds in the SR, with a focus on ellagic and pyrogallic acids.
Fascinatingly, the results showed that CSR treatment could nearly eradicate hyphal Candida albicans from the vaginal mucosa of these mouse models. It was found that the inhibitory effect of CSR on Candida albicans - particularly regarding biofilm formation and hyphal growth - was far superior to that of non-charred SR. Importantly, it was determined that ellagic acid was the primary bioactive compound responsible for these potent effects, outperforming pyrogallic acid. This indicated that the efficacy of SR as a treatment is significantly increased through the process of carbonisation, which boosts relevant active compound levels.
