Effect of cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis plant derivative, against Candida albicans growth and biofilm formation.

Fungal resistance to available antifungal molecules has emerged as a significant and continued threat. Several plants, including cannabis, have promising antimicrobial activities, potentially including those against Candida albicans. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activities of cannabidiol (CBD) against C. albicans. Yeast cells were treated once or twice with different concentrations (from 0 to 20 µg/mL) of CBD, showing a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of the growth of C. albicans, with cell concentrations ranging from 5.1 × 106 cells/mL in the control to 1.8 × 106 cells/mL after one exposure to 20 µg/mL CBD. This growth reduction was greater after two exposures to CBD. After two exposures to 20 µg/mL CBD, the cell concentration was only 1.1 × 106 cells/mL. Such a growth decrease in C. albicans was confirmed by a reduced number of colony forming units and a lower MTT value compared to the control. The growth inhibition was supported by a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the yeast-to-hyphae transition, ranging from 20 ± 0.2% in the control to 2 ± 0.5% after exposure to 20 µg/mL CBD. Biofilm formation was also significantly reduced following CBD exposure. CBD at 10 and 20 µg/mL promoted the death of C. albicans through an apoptosis/necrotic pathway. Altogether, our results suggest the possible use of CBD, a cannabis derivative, to control C. albicans infection, including oral candidiasis. Highlights: Cannabidiol (CBD) decreases the growth of C. albicans. CBD inhibits the yeast-to-hyphae transition. CBD reduces biofilm formation by C. albicans. CBD induces C. albicans death through necrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]