effect of cinnamon bark extracts on the expression of virulent genes crucial for biofilm formation by c. albicans: 𝐼𝑛 𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑜 study compared to antifungal drug itraconazole

Candida albicans is a pathogenic fungus capable of forming biofilms that contribute to antifungal resistance. this study evaluates the antifungal potential of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of cinnamon bark against c. albicans, comparing their efficacy with itraconazole (itz). antifungal activity was determined using the agar well diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (mic) assay, and biofilm eradication assays.the ethanolic extract exhibited a maximum inhibition zone of 45 mm at 100 µg/ml, while itz showed only 10 mm at 500 µg/ml, and the aqueous extract had no significant effect. the mic of the ethanolic extract was 250 µg/ml, with a minimum fungicidal concentration (mfc) of 500 µg/ml, highlighting its strong antifungal potential. in contrast, the aqueous extract did not exhibit any measurable zones of inhibition even at the highest tested concentration of 400 µg/ml, indicating a lack of significant antifungal activity. the extract significantly inhibited germ tube formation, with complete inhibition observed at 100 µg/ml, whereas itz failed to prevent hyphal development. biofilm eradication was also dose-dependent, with an 88% reduction at 200 µg/ml and a 55% reduction at 50 µg/ml, compared to untreated controls. at 4 µg/ml, the ethanolic extract completely suppressed the expression of als1, hwp1, and sap4, genes responsible for adhesion, biofilm formation, and virulence. these findings suggest that cinnamon ethanolic extract is a potent antifungal agent with greater efficacy than itz in disrupting c. albicans biofilms and downregulating virulence genes. its biofilminhibiting properties highlight its therapeutic potential for treating drug-resistant candidiasis, warranting further clinical evaluation for pharmaceutical applications.