In vitro efficacy of garlic extract against Candida albicans biofilms from children with early childhood caries

Introduction: Garlic (Allium sativum) is known to be a natural antifungal agent with the ability to penetrate cellular and organelle membranes, resulting in cell death of Candida albicans. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to measure the efficacy of garlic extract against C. albicans biofilms frequently detected in early childhood caries (ECC). Material and methods: Samples of dental biofilms were obtained from children with ECC, cultured in CHROMagar Candida medium, and confirmed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Furthermore, biofilms were established in microplates, incubated for 48 h, and exposed to 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100% garlic extract using 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) as a positive control. Cell viability was subsequently measured by the methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the viability of C. albicans biofilms at all concentrations of garlic extract (p ≥ 0.000). Conclusion: Garlic extract is efficacious in reducing the viability of C. albicans biofilms from children with ECC.