Cocoa ( Theobroma cacao L.) as a potential therapeutic agent against Trichophyton rubrum -induced damage in mouse fibroblasts (L929)

The beneficial therapeutic actions of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in the treatment of cardiometabolic disorders, attributed to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are well established. Thus, it was of interest to determine the therapeutic potential of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) to inhibit Trichophyton rubrum, a dermatophyte frequently associated with infections, resulting in discomfort and psychosocial consequences. Cocoa emerges as a promising natural product attributed to its chemical composition which includes bioactive molecules, especially flavonoids, with recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal activities. In this investigation, L929 fibroblasts were exposed to T. rubrum and subsequently treated with cocoa extract at concentrations of 25, 50, 100, or 250 µg/ml for 24 h. Cocoa extract was previously solubilized in PBS buffer and characterized by HPLC to ensure quality and chemical composition of this natural product. Cell viability was assessed using MTT and PicoGreen assays, whereas oxidative stress parameters, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production, were determined using DCFH–DA assay and Griess reaction, respectively. Additional groups received only cocoa extract to determine cytocompatibility. Cocoa alone did not markedly affect cell viability, proliferation, levels of ROS or NO. In contrast, fungal infection induced cytotoxicity, enhanced dsDNA release (12%), and elevated NO levels (11%). Treatment with cocoa extract significantly increased extracellular dsDNA levels at 50 and 100 µg/ml and reduced NO production at all tested concentrations. Taken together, findings indicate that cocoa extract protects cells from T. rubrum-induced damage, suggesting this natural product be considered as a potential alternative for the management of dermatophytic infections.