GROWTH INHIBITORY ACTIVITIES OF THE RHIZOME CRUDE EXTRACT OF Curcuma longa ON THE HUMAN PATHOGENIC FUNGUS Mucor circinelloides

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (10) ◽  
pp. 82-91
Author(s):  
Phuong Nguyen Anh ◽  
Mai Le Thi Tuyet ◽  
Trung Trieu Anh

Mucormycosis is an uncommon but life-threatening invasive fungal infection, mostly occurs in immunocompromised patients. Lacking the appropriate antifungal drugs is one of the reasons that lead to difficulties in the management of mucormycosis. Curcuma longa has been used traditionally and widely to treat various diseases, including fungal infections. In the search for novel antifungal compounds from natural resources, we evaluated the effect of rhizome crude extract of C. longa on Mucor circinelloides – a causal agent of mucormycosis. The results of screening, using broth dilution method and agar-well diffusion method, showed that the C. longa extract exhibited promising antifungal activity against the fungus M. circinelloides. In liquid medium, C. longa extract decreased the ability of spore germination and the speed of hyphae formation of M. circinelloides decreased by up to approximately 70% and 90%, respectively. Besides, in a solid medium, the crude extract presented similar activity with amphotericin B (400 μg\mL) in decreasing the growth of M. circinelloides by nearly 77%. Moreover, the extract of C. longa also likely to induce the yeast-like type of growth of the dimorphic M. circinelloides in the early stage. These results suggest the plant could be a potential source for further study on biochemical components and the mechanism of its antifungal activity.

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-129
Author(s):  
K. ZOMORODIAN ◽  
S. KHABNADIDEH ◽  
L. ZAMANI ◽  
K. PAKSHIR ◽  
M. TAJADDOD

The extensive use of antifungal drugs and their resistance against fungal infections have led to discover new antimicrobial compounds. We previously described synthesis of some new derivatives of 2-methylbenzimidazole (1a-5a) and 5,6dimethylbenzimidazol (1b-5b). Here we evaluated the antimicrobial activities of these compounds against different species of micro organisms including gram positive and gram negative bacteria as well as fungi. Broth micro-dilution method as recommended by clinical and laboratory standard institute (CLSI) was used for this purpose. The results show compounds 2-Methyl-1-(3-methylbenzyl)-1H-benzo [d]imidazole (5a) and 5,6-Dimethyl-1-(3-methyl benzyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (5b) had the best antifungal activity against the examined fungi and gram positive bacteria. Moreover these two compounds inhibited the growth of azole resistant strains. By comparison the relationship between the structures and activities of the tested compounds revealed that the presence of methyl residue in meta position of benzyl group enhance the antifungal activity. Regarding a broad spectrum antifungal activities of some of the tested compounds, they might be a good candidate for further in vivo studies to evaluate their pharmacological activity and toxicity as a novel antifungal agents.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11326
Author(s):  
Magdalena Wróblewska ◽  
Emilia Szymańska ◽  
Katarzyna Winnicka

Fungal skin infections are currently a major clinical problem due to their increased occurrence and drug resistance. The treatment of fungal skin infections is based on monotherapy or polytherapy using the synergy of the therapeutic substances. Tea tree oil (TTO) may be a valuable addition to the traditional antifungal drugs due to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity. Ketoconazole (KTZ) is an imidazole antifungal agent commonly used as a treatment for dermatological fungal infections. The use of hydrogels and organogel-based formulations has been increasing for the past few years, due to the easy method of preparation and long-term stability of the product. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to design and characterize different types of Pluronic®F-127 gel formulations containing KTZ and TTO as local delivery systems that can be applied in cases of skin fungal infections. The influence of TTO addition on the textural, rheological, and bioadhesive properties of the designed formulations was examined. Moreover, the in vitro release of KTZ, its permeation through artificial skin, and antifungal activity by the agar diffusion method were performed. It was found that obtained gel formulations were non-Newtonian systems, showing a shear-thinning behaviour and thixotropic properties with adequate textural features such as hardness, compressibility, and adhesiveness. Furthermore, the designed preparations with TTO were characterized by beneficial bioadhesive properties. The presence of TTO improved the penetration and retention of KTZ through the artificial skin membrane and this effect was particularly visible in hydrogel formulation. The developed gels containing TTO can be considered as favourable formulations in terms of drug release and antifungal activity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Nadjib Boukhatem ◽  
Noureldien H. E. Darwish ◽  
Thangirala Sudha ◽  
Siham Bahlouli ◽  
Dahbia Kellou ◽  
...  

The aim of this study is to investigate the Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TVEO) as an antifungal agent in aromatherapy and/or as an active ingredient in the prevention or management of topical inflammatory diseases. The chemical composition of TVEO was determined with gas chromatography and revealed the presence of 25 compounds. Carvacrol was found to be the major component (56.8%). Antifungal action of TVEO was determined in vitro by using different methods. By the disc diffusion method, TVEO showed more potent antifungal activity against Candida strains than the positive control. The diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ) varied from 34 to 60 mm for Candida yeasts. Significantly higher antifungal activity was observed in the vapor phase at lower quantities. Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis were the most susceptible strains to the oil vapor with DIZ varying from 35 to 90 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of yeast were determined with an agar dilution method and revealed that MIC varied from 0.3 to 0.15 µL/mL for yeast species. The topical anti-inflammatory potential of TVEO was also explored in vivo with the croton oil-induced ear edema assay. TVEO exhibited a potent anti-inflammatory effect at all doses (100, 10 and 2 mg/kg), which were statistically similar (p > 0.05) to the positive control. This activity was also confirmed at the cellular level with histopathology analysis. Our results suggest the potential application of this carvacrol-rich TVEO in the prevention and management of fungal infections and topical inflammation and deserve further investigation for clinical applications. Furthermore, while the mode of action remains mainly undetermined and should be studied.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Evy Prastiyanto ◽  
NI’MATUR ROHMAH ◽  
LESITA EFENDI ◽  
RAHMATIA ARIFIN ◽  
FANDHI ADI WARDOYO ◽  
...  

Abstract. Prastiyanto ME, Rohmah N, Efendi L, Arifin R, Wardoyo FA, Wilson W, Mukaromah AH, Dewi SS, Darmawati S. 2021. Antifungal activities of the rhizome extract of five member Zingiberaceae against Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum. Biodiversitas 22: 1509-1513. Fungal infections have now become serious health issues. One of the strategies to avoid the problems of fungal infections is by using natural product from plants that are effective against many human pathogenic fungi. The study portrayed the use of the extracts of plant rhizomes as the alternatives to fight against number of human pathogenic fungi. This research aimed to investigate the antifungal activities of crude ethanol extract of five member of the family Zingiberaceae (Curcuma longa, Alpinia galanga Zingiber officinale. var. rubrum, Zingiber officinale var. officinarum and Zingiber officinale var. amarum), which are widely used as folk medicines against Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum. Crude ethanol extracts of five members of Zingiberaceae were evaluated for their antifungal activities and the results were calculated based on the zones of inhibition using the diffusion method. The extract showed antifungal activity against Candida. albicans in the agar well diffusion assay (10.2-27.1 mm inhibition diameter) and against T. rubrum (27.3-44.3 mm inhibition diameter). The data have revealed that all rhizomes have the potential to be developed as antifungal agents, particularly against C. albicans and T. rubrum. Studies on the antifungal activity against yeast-like (C. albicans) and filamentous (T. rubrum) can provide new information about the benefits of members Zingiberaceae as a source of natural antifungal. Researchers can select the type of rhizome that has more potential for further extraction to obtain pure compounds that can be used as antifungals.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 648-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manzoor Ahmad Malik ◽  
Shabir Ahmad Lone ◽  
Parveez Gull ◽  
Ovas Ahmad Dar ◽  
Mohmmad Younus Wani ◽  
...  

Background: The increasing incidence of fungal infections, especially caused by Candida albicans, and their increasing drug resistance has drastically increased in recent years. Therefore, not only new drugs but also alternative treatment strategies are promptly required. Methods: We previously reported on the synergistic interaction of some azole and non-azole compounds with fluconazole for combination antifungal therapy. In this study, we synthesized some non-azole Schiff-base derivatives and evaluated their antifungal activity profile alone and in combination with the most commonly used antifungal drugs- fluconazole (FLC) and amphotericin B (AmB) against four drug susceptible, three FLC resistant and three AmB resistant clinically isolated Candida albicans strains. To further analyze the mechanism of antifungal action of these compounds, we quantified total sterol contents in FLC-susceptible and resistant C. albicans isolates. Results: A pyrimidine ring-containing derivative SB5 showed the most potent antifungal activity against all the tested strains. After combining these compounds with FLC and AmB, 76% combinations were either synergistic or additive while as the rest of the combinations were indifferent. Interestingly, none of the combinations was antagonistic, either with FLC or AmB. Results interpreted from fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) and isobolograms revealed 4-10-fold reduction in MIC values for synergistic combinations. These compounds also inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis in a concentration-dependent manner, supported by the results from docking studies. Conclusion: The results of the studies conducted advocate the potential of these compounds as new antifungal drugs. However, further studies are required to understand the other mechanisms and in vivo efficacy and toxicity of these compounds.


2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 174 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Ellis ◽  
Tania Sorrell ◽  
Sharon Chen

The last two to three decades have seen a major increase in invasive fungal infections (IFIs), a small, but increasing proportion of which are caused by pathogens with partial or complete resistance to antifungal drugs. The increase in IFIs has largely been associated with the increase in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. Opportunistic infections with relatively drug-resistant environmental fungi account for much of the resistance. In addition, amongst the only fungal species to colonise humans, Candida, two species that are resistant (C. krusei) or relatively resistant (C. glabrata) to fluconazole have emerged. In part this is explained by the selection pressure exerted by widespread use of fluconazole. Together with the introduction of new antifungal drugs with selective and/or variable antifungal activity, these changes have stimulated interest in understanding mechanisms and origins of resistance, the identification of resistance in the laboratory and its relationship to clinical outcomes, and in surveillance of clinical isolates and populations at risk of IFIs.


Author(s):  
Lisa Kirchhoff ◽  
Silke Dittmer ◽  
Ann-Kathrin Weisner ◽  
Jan Buer ◽  
Peter-Michael Rath ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Patients with immunodeficiency or cystic fibrosis frequently suffer from respiratory fungal infections. In particular, biofilm-associated fungi cause refractory infection manifestations, linked to increased resistance to anti-infective agents. One emerging filamentous fungus is Lomentospora prolificans. Here, the biofilm-formation capabilities of L. prolificans isolates were investigated and the susceptibility of biofilms to various antifungal agents was analysed. Methods Biofilm formation of L. prolificans (n = 11) was estimated by crystal violet stain and antibiofilm activity was additionally determined via detection of metabolically active biofilm using an XTT assay. Amphotericin B, micafungin, voriconazole and olorofim were compared with regard to their antibiofilm effects when added prior to adhesion, after adhesion and on mature and preformed fungal biofilms. Imaging via confocal laser scanning microscopy was carried out to demonstrate the effect of drug treatment on the fungal biofilm. Results Antibiofilm activities of the tested antifungal agents were shown to be most effective on adherent cells whilst mature biofilm was the most resistant. The most promising antibiofilm effects were detected with voriconazole and olorofim. Olorofim showed an average minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of 0.06 mg/L, when added prior to and after adhesion. The MBECs of voriconazole were ≤4 mg/L. On mature biofilm the MBECs of olorofim and voriconazole were higher than the previously determined MICs against planktonic cultures. In contrast, amphotericin B and especially micafungin did not exhibit sufficient antibiofilm activity against L. prolificans. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the antibiofilm potential of olorofim against the human pathogenic fungus L. prolificans.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 171814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Shu ◽  
Tengfei Li ◽  
Wen Yang ◽  
Duo Li ◽  
Shunli Ji ◽  
...  

The present work is focused on the design and development of novel amphotericin B (AmB)-conjugated biocompatible and biodegradable polypeptide hydrogels to improve the antifungal activity. Using three kinds of promoting self-assembly groups (2-naphthalene acetic acid (Nap), naproxen (Npx) and dexamethasone (Dex)) and polypeptide sequence (Phe-Phe-Asp-Lys-Tyr, FFDKY), we successfully synthesized the Nap-FFDK(AmB)Y gels, Npx-FFDK(AmB)Y gels and Dex-FFDK(AmB)Y gels. The AmB-conjugated hydrogelators are highly soluble in different aqueous solutions. The cryo-transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy micrographs of hydrogels afford nanofibres with a width of 20–50 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrate that the crystalline structures of the AmB and Dex are changed into amorphous structures after the formation of hydrogels. Circular dichroism spectra of the solution of blank carriers and the corresponding drug deliveries further help elucidate the molecular arrangement in gel phase, indicating the existence of turn features. The in vitro drug releases suggest that the AmB-conjugated hydrogels are suitable as drug-controlled release vehicles for hydrophobic drugs. The antifungal effect of AmB-conjugated hydrogels significantly exhibits the antifungal activity against Candida albicans . The results of the present study indicated that the AmB-conjugated hydrogels are suitable carriers for poorly water soluble drugs and for enhancement of therapeutic efficacy of antifungal drugs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1409-1412
Author(s):  
Jadhav Raina ◽  
Parihar Sangeeta

ABSTRACT: Development of more effective and less toxic antifungal agents is required for the treatment of various fungal disease.Plants and their extraction preparation have beenused as medicine against infectious diseases.The present study was aimed to study, the antifungal activity of the seeds of various seed abstract of plant Malva Parviflora (Linn). The antifungal activity of seeds extract of plant was determine by using agar well diffusion method,MIC(minimum inhibitoryconcentration) and MFC (minimum fungicidal count)by using micro dilution method . The seeds extract of the plant were examined using Methanol, Ethyl acetate ,Petroleum ether and water as solvent and tested against different fungi pathogens. From the result it can be concluded that the all the seeds extract shows the significant activity against the micro organism, hence these extract may be used as a source of antifungal agent obtained from herbal medicine and may be explore as new and effective antifungal agent. Various solvent extracts of the plant Malva parvifiora (Linn) have been found to possess enough antibacterial activity and may potentially be explored as human antifungal agent.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Frei ◽  
A. Paden King ◽  
Gabrielle J. Lowe ◽  
Amy K. Cain ◽  
Francesca L. Short ◽  
...  

Resistance to currently available antifungal drugs has quietly been on the rise but overshadowed by the alarming spread of antibacterial resistance. There is a striking lack of attention to the threat of drug resistant fungal infections, with only a handful of new drugs currently in development. Given that metal complexes have proven to be useful new chemotypes in the fight against diseases such as cancer, malaria, and bacterial infections, it stands to reason to explore their possible utility in treating fungal infections. Herein we report a series of cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes with broad spectrum antifungal activity. Some of these complexes (1-3) show minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) in the low micro- to nanomolar range against a series of Candida and Cryptococcus yeasts. Additionally, we demonstrate that these compounds show no cytotoxicity against both bacterial and human cells. Finally, we report first in vivo toxicity data on these compounds in Galleria mellonella, showing that doses as high as 266 mg/kg are tolerated without adverse effects, paving the way for further in vivo studies of these complexes. <br>


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