Epigallocatechin Gallate gel: A Promising Antifungal Treatment Against Oral Candidiasis.

Background: Candida is one of the commensals that makes up normal oral flora. Oral candidiasis, the most common opportunistic infection, is caused by Candida albicans. Numerous health benefits of the chemical epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea ingredient, are generally documented. It may decrease the spread of oral candidiasis.Aims of the study: to investigate the effect of EGCG oral hydrogel on Candida albicans induced in the tongue of albino rats, and to compare it with the commercial agent miconazole. Materials and Methods: The present investigation was carried out on 20 adult male albino rats, with an average weight of 190–230 grams. Five rats were used in the negative control group, while oral candidiasis was induced on the tongue of the other fifteen rats. EGCG hydrogel and miconazole oral gels were used to treat five animals separately in different groups. Microbiological analysis was performed to determine the number of CFU/mL in each group. Histopathological features were studied by using H&E stain. A scanning electron microscope was used to examine fine surface morphology and measure the length of papillae. Results: EGCG and miconazole groups showed a statistically significant decrease in C. albicans count after two weeks of treatment. At the same time, they revealed an almost normal architectural appearance of the mucosa with a highly significant increase in the length of filiform papillae situated on the dorsum of the tongue.Conclusion: EGCG hydrogel could be considered a promising antifungal treatment against oral candidiasis.