Analysis of phytochemical profile and antibiofilm activity of Stem Bark extract of Terminalia Arjuna Wt & Arn against the human pathogen Candida albicans

The bark of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wt. and Arn. is used in Ayurveda. Biofilm-related infections caused by Candida albicans is a serious clinical challenge for immune compromised populations. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of water extract of arjuna stem bark showed presence flavonoids, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, tannins and glycosides. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of alcohol, alkanes, Carboxylic acids and aliphatic compounds. Extract was analysed for activity against growth and virulence attributes of Candida. It showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 0.5 mg/ml for planktonic growth and 4 mg/ml for Biofilm of C. albicans ATCC 3017 and 4 mg/ml for planktonic growth of clinical strain of Candida albicans GMC 03. Extract also inhibited yeast to hyphal dimorphism at (0.5–4 mg/ml), while adhesion to a solid surface at 0.5–2 mg/ml. For the first time, Arjuna stem bark extract revealed the antibiofilm potential and ten phytochemicals are identified through GCMS analysis.