Polyphenolic Characterization of Aqueous Extract and Comparative Antioxidant and Antibiofilm activities of Xylopia aethiopica Fruit Aqueous and Essential Oil Extracts against Candida Biofilms

Introduction: The increasing resistance of Candida species to conventional antifungals necessitates the search for new bioactive compounds. Xylopia aethiopica is a medicinal plant known for its antifungal properties, yet its impact on fungal biofilms remains to be explored. This study characterized the polyphenolic profile of Xylopia aethiopica hydroethanolic fruit extract and compared the antibiofilm activity of its aqueous extracts and essential oils against Candida biofilms. Methodes: Total phenols and flavonoids were quantified, and individual compounds were identified via HPLC-DAD. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-pyrylhydrazyl) test. The antibiofilm potential was evaluated using the crystal violet assay to measure biomass reduction and assess the impact on the yeast-tohypha transition. Results: Analyses revealed a rich profile characterized by high yields of epicatechin, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, and resveratrol, which impart significant antioxidant properties. In vitro assays demonstrated that among the aqueous extracts, only the hydromethanolic extract (1:2) inhibited biofilms. Conversely, the essential oils exhibited strong dose-dependent efficacy, with hydrodistillation proving superior to steam distillation in restricting the biofilm growth of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Xylopia aethiopica is a potent source of antibiofilm agents. The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation represents a promising alternative for eradicating resistant Candida communities, highlighting the crucial impact of the extraction method on bioactivity.