Folk medicinal plant extracts as a source of biomolecules with antifungal properties against Candida species
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resumo
Increasing rates of opportunistic fungal infections and microorganisms with drug-resistance have been observed. Candida species
are the most common pathogens, considered the fourth leading cause of hematogenous infections. Thus, it is crucial to discover
alternatives to the current antifungal agents. Healing properties of medicinal plants are widely recognized, but some properties and
the related mechanisms of action remain unknown. Therefore, the anti-Candida potential of hydromethanolic extracts obtained from
ten folk medicinal plants (Echinacea purpurea L.; Eucalyptus globulus Labill.; Foeniculum vulgare Mill.; Juglans regia L.; Matricaria
recutita L.; Melissa officinalis L.; Pterospartum tridentatum L.; Rosa canina L.; Rubus ulmifolius L. and Tabebuia impetiginosa L.) was
evaluated, by using Disc Diffusion Assay and determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations by microdilution method. J. regia
was the most effective, inhibiting the growth of the tested nineteen Candida strains (halo diameter varying between 9-14 mm) and
causing a growth reduction of 3-5 Log (CFUs) for Candida parapsilosis and C. tropicalis, and 0.5-2.5 for C. albicans and C. glabrata.
E. globulus also exhibit a significant potential, being effective against seventeen Candida strains (halo diameter ranging between 9-21
mm) and causing a growth reduction of 2-5 Log (CFUs). P. tridentatum and R. ulmifolius showed similar antifungal effects, being
effective against six Candida strains (halo diameter ranging between 9-19 mm). So, as main conclusions, hydromethanolic extracts of
E. globulus and J. regia could constitute promissory alternatives to the current antifungal agents, but more detailed studies are needed
in order to identify the bioactive compounds and related mechanism of action.
