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Liu C, Shao J. Therapy of traditional Chinese medicine in Candida spp. and Candida associated infections: A comprehensive review. Fitoterapia 2024; 177:106139. [PMID: 39047847 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.106139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Candida spp. are commonly a group of opportunistic dimorphic fungi, frequently causing diverse fungal infections in immunocompromised or immunosuppressant patients from mucosal disturbs (oropharyngeal candidiasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis) to disseminated infections (systemic candidiasis) with high morbidity and mortality. Importantly, several Candida species can be isolated from diseased individuals with digestive, neuropathic, respiratory, metabolic and autoimmune diseases. Due to increased resistance to conventional antifungal agents, the arsenal for antifungal purpose is in urgent need. Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) are a huge treasury that can be used as promising candidates for antimycotic applications. In this review, we make a short survey of microbiological (morphology and virulence) and pathological (candidiasis and Candida related infections) features of and host immune response (innate and adaptive immunity) to Candida spp.. Based on the chemical structures and well-studied antifungal mechanisms, the monomers, extracts, decoctions, essential oils and other preparations of TCMs that are reported to have fair antifungal activities or immunomodulatory effects for anticandidal purpose are comprehensively reviewed. We also emphasize the importance of combination and drug pair of TCMs as useful anticandidal strategies, as well as network pharmacology and molecular docking as beneficial complements to current experimental approaches. This review construct a therapeutic module that can be helpful to guide in-future experimental and preclinical studies in the combat against fungal threats aroused by C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Liu
- Laboratory of Anti-infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Zhijing Building, 350 Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei 230012, Anhui, PR China
| | - Jing Shao
- Laboratory of Anti-infection and Immunity, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Zhijing Building, 350 Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei 230012, Anhui, PR China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Zhijing Building, 350 Longzihu Road, Xinzhan District, Hefei 230012, Anhui, PR China.
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Zhou X, Zeng M, Huang F, Qin G, Song Z, Liu F. The potential role of plant secondary metabolites on antifungal and immunomodulatory effect. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12601-5. [PMID: 37272939 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12601-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
With the widespread use of antibiotic drugs worldwide and the global increase in the number of immunodeficient patients, fungal infections have become a serious threat to global public health security. Moreover, the evolution of fungal resistance to existing antifungal drugs is on the rise. To address these issues, the development of new antifungal drugs or fungal inhibitors needs to be targeted urgently. Plant secondary metabolites are characterized by a wide variety of chemical structures, low price, high availability, high antimicrobial activity, and few side effects. Therefore, plant secondary metabolites may be important resources for the identification and development of novel antifungal drugs. However, there are few studies to summarize those contents. In this review, the antifungal modes of action of plant secondary metabolites toward different types of fungi and fungal infections are covered, as well as highlighting immunomodulatory effects on the human body. This review of the literature should lay the foundation for research into new antifungal drugs and the discovery of new targets. KEY POINTS: • Immunocompromised patients who are infected the drug-resistant fungi are increasing. • Plant secondary metabolites toward various fungal targets are covered. • Plant secondary metabolites with immunomodulatory effect are verified in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fujiao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Qin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
- Molecular Biotechnology Platform, Public Center of Experimental Technology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fangyan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Liang J, Huang X, Ma G. Antimicrobial activities and mechanisms of extract and components of herbs in East Asia. RSC Adv 2022; 12:29197-29213. [PMID: 36320733 PMCID: PMC9554739 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra02389j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibacterial drugs face increasing challenges due to drug resistance and adverse reactions, which has created a pressing need for the discovery and development of novel antibacterial drugs. Herbs have played an important role in the treatment of infectious diseases. This review aims to summarize, analyze and evaluate the antibacterial activities and mechanisms of components from popular herbs in East Asia. In this review, we have searched and summarized the scientific papers published during the past twenty-year period from electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. These herbs and their components, including alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, terpenes, organic acids, coumarins and lignans, display potential antimicrobial effects. Herbal medicine formulas (HMFs) usually show stronger antibacterial activity than single herbs. Herbs and HMFs bring forth antibacterial activities by damaging cell membranes and walls, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis, and increasing intracellular osmotic pressure. These herbs and their components can be developed as potential and promising novel antibacterial herbal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Liang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University 826 Zhangheng Road Shanghai 201203 China +86-21-5198-0025
| | - Xuan Huang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University 826 Zhangheng Road Shanghai 201203 China +86-21-5198-0025
| | - Guo Ma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University 826 Zhangheng Road Shanghai 201203 China +86-21-5198-0025
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4
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Chanaj-Kaczmarek J, Rosiak N, Szymanowska D, Rajewski M, Wender-Ozegowska E, Cielecka-Piontek J. The Chitosan-Based System with Scutellariae baicalensis radix Extract for the Local Treatment of Vaginal Infections. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:740. [PMID: 35456574 PMCID: PMC9028937 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Scutellarie baicalensis radix, as a flavone-rich source, exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. It may be used as a therapeutic agent to treat various diseases, including vaginal infections. In this study, six binary mixtures of chitosan with stable S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract were obtained and identified by spectral (ATR-FTIR, XRPD) and thermal (TG and DSC) methods. The changes in dissolution rates of active compounds and the significant increase in the biological properties towards metal chelating activity were observed, as well as the inhibition of hyaluronic acid degradation after mixing plant extract with chitosan. Moreover, the combination of S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract with a carrier allowed us to obtain the binary systems with a higher antifungal activity than the pure extract, which may be effective in developing new strategies in the vaginal infections treatment, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Chanaj-Kaczmarek
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 3 Rokietnicka Street, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (J.C.-K.); (N.R.)
| | - Natalia Rosiak
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 3 Rokietnicka Street, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (J.C.-K.); (N.R.)
| | - Daria Szymanowska
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 48 Wojska Polskiego Street, 60-627 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Marcin Rajewski
- Department of Reproduction, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-535 Poznan, Poland; (M.R.); (E.W.-O.)
| | - Ewa Wender-Ozegowska
- Department of Reproduction, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-535 Poznan, Poland; (M.R.); (E.W.-O.)
| | - Judyta Cielecka-Piontek
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 3 Rokietnicka Street, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (J.C.-K.); (N.R.)
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Ibrahim A, Nasr M, El-Sherbiny IM. Baicalin as an emerging magical nutraceutical molecule: Emphasis on pharmacological properties and advances in pharmaceutical delivery. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Fiołka MJ, Czaplewska P, Wójcik-Mieszawska S, Lewandowska A, Lewtak K, Sofińska-Chmiel W, Buchwald T. Metabolic, structural, and proteomic changes in Candida albicans cells induced by the protein-carbohydrate fraction of Dendrobaena veneta coelomic fluid. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16711. [PMID: 34408181 PMCID: PMC8373886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96093-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The isolated protein-polysaccharide fraction (AAF) from the coelomic fluid of Dendrobaena veneta earthworm shows effective activity against Candida albicans yeast. Fungal cells of the clinical strain after incubation with the active fraction were characterized by disturbed cell division and different morphological forms due to the inability to separate the cells from each other. Staining of the cells with acridine orange revealed a change in the pH of the AAF-treated cells. It was observed that, after the AAF treatment, the mitochondrial DNA migrated towards the nuclear DNA, whereupon both merged into a single nuclear structure, which preceded the apoptotic process. Cells with a large nucleus were imaged with the scanning electron cryomicroscopy (Cryo-SEM) technique, while enlarged mitochondria and the degeneration of cell structures were shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The loss of the correct cell shape and cell wall integrity was visualized by both the TEM and SEM techniques. Mass spectrometry and relative quantitative SWATH MS analysis were used to determine the reaction of the C. albicans proteome to the components of the AAF fraction. AAF was observed to influence the expression of mitochondrial and oxidative stress proteins. The oxidative stress in C. albicans cells caused by the action of AAF was demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, proteomic methods, and XPS spectroscopy. The secondary structure of AAF proteins was characterized by Raman spectroscopy. Analysis of the elemental composition of AAF confirmed the homogeneity of the preparation. The observed action of AAF, which targets not only the cell wall but also the mitochondria, makes the preparation a potential antifungal drug killing the cells of the C. albicans pathogen through apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta J Fiołka
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Paulina Czaplewska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Sylwia Wójcik-Mieszawska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Lewandowska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Kinga Lewtak
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Weronika Sofińska-Chmiel
- Analytical Laboratory, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Buchwald
- Faculty of Materials Science and Technical Physics, Institute of Materials Research and Quantum Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Poznań, Poland
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Han Z, Tan X, Sun J, Wang T, Yan G, Wang C, Ma K. Systems pharmacology and transcriptomics reveal the mechanisms of Sanhuang decoction enema in the treatment of ulcerative colitis with additional Candida albicans infection. Chin Med 2021; 16:75. [PMID: 34376226 PMCID: PMC8353752 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00487-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an important inflammatory phenotype in bowel disease (IBD), which is caused by multiple potential factors, including fungal dysbiosis. Candida albicans (C. albicans) was confirmed to be an important factor promoting the occurrence and development of UC. Sanhuang decoction (SHD) has been used for UC therapy in China for thousand of years, although its core active constituents and pharmacological mechanism remain undefined. Methods In this work, a murine model of UC with C. albicans colonization was established with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and C. albicans intragastric administration. The major bioactive constituents and potential mechanism of SHD against UC with fungal dysbiosis were comprehensively examined by combining systems pharmacology and in vivo transcriptomics. Results SHD attenuated C. albicans burden, reduced DAI, increased mucosal integrity and relived systemic inflammation in UC mice. Systems pharmacology analysis identified 9 core bioactive ingredients and 45 hub targets of SHD against UC. Transcriptomics analysis confirmed 370 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after SHD treatment, which were mainly enriched in inflammatory and immune response related signaling pathways. Toll-like receptor and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were screened out as the candidate targets involved in the action of SHD on fungal dysbiosis-associated UC, which were consistent with the findings in systems pharmacology. The expression of TLR4, IL-1β, NF-κB, PI3K and Akt proteins were stimulated by C. albicans, and partially reversed by SHD in UC mice. Conclusion These findings suggested SHD could be a candidate for the treatment of fungal dysbiosis-associated UC via TLR4-NF-κB and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-021-00487-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Han
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Life Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Xiaofen Tan
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Life Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Juan Sun
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of New Manufacturing Technology for Chinese Medicinal Decoction Pieces, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.,Key Laboratory of Xin'An Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Tianming Wang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Life Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.,Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of New Manufacturing Technology for Chinese Medicinal Decoction Pieces, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.,Key Laboratory of Xin'An Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Guiming Yan
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Life Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.,Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of New Manufacturing Technology for Chinese Medicinal Decoction Pieces, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.,Key Laboratory of Xin'An Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Changzhong Wang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Life Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.,Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of New Manufacturing Technology for Chinese Medicinal Decoction Pieces, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.,Key Laboratory of Xin'An Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Kelong Ma
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Life Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China. .,Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China. .,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of New Manufacturing Technology for Chinese Medicinal Decoction Pieces, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China. .,Key Laboratory of Xin'An Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
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Ababutain IM, Alghamdi AI. In vitro anticandidal activity and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) screening of Vitex agnus-castus leaf extracts. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10561. [PMID: 33505793 PMCID: PMC7789864 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Candida infections are becoming more drug resistant; it is necessary to search for alternative medications to treat them. Therefore, the present study estimates the anticandidal activity of Vitex agnus-castus (VA-C) leaf extracts. Methods We used the agar well diffusion method to assess the anticandidal activity of three different VA-C leaf extracts (ethanol, methanol, and water) against three Candida species (Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans, and Candida ciferrii). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was estimated using the two-fold dilution method and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was determined using the classic pour plate technique. The MFC/MIC ratio was calculated to estimate the microbicidal or microbiostatic activity. A gas chromatography mass spectrometer was used to screen the phytochemicals of the VA-C leaf extracts (ethanol, methanol, and water). Results All VA-C extracts ethanol, methanol, and water were significantly inhibited the growth of the test Candida species and the inhibition activity depended on the solvent used and the Candida species. The results showed that C. tropicalis was the most highly inhibited by all extracts followed by C. albicans and C. ciferrii. The MIC values were 12.5–25 µg/ml, and MFC values were 25–100 µg/ml. The ratios of MFC/MIC were two-fold to four-fold which was considered candidacidal activity. Ninety-five phytochemical compounds were identified by the GC-MS assay for the VA-C leaf extracts. The total number of compounds per extract differed. Methanol had 43 compounds, ethanol had 47 compounds, and water had 52 compounds. The highest compound concentrations were: 4,5-Dichloro-1,3-dioxolan-2-one in ethanol and methanol, 1H-Indene, 2,3-dihydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl in ethanol, Isobutyl 4-hydroxybenzoate in methanol, and Benzoic acid and 4-hydroxy- in water. These phytochemical compounds belong to different bioactive chemical group such as polyphenols, fatty acids, terpenes, terpenoids, steroids, aldehydes, alcohols, and esters, and most of which have anticandidal activity. Conclusions VA-C leaf extracts may be useful alternatives to anticandidal drugs, based on their effectiveness against all test Candida species at low concentrations. However, appropriate toxicology screening should be conducted before use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtisam Mohammed Ababutain
- Basic & Applied Scientific Research Center (BASRC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azzah Ibrahim Alghamdi
- Basic & Applied Scientific Research Center (BASRC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Silva TC, de Ávila RI, Zara ALSA, Santos AS, Ataídes F, Freitas VAQ, Costa CR, Valadares MC, Silva MDRR. Punicalagin triggers ergosterol biosynthesis disruption and cell cycle arrest in Cryptococcus gattii and Candida albicans : Action mechanisms of punicalagin against yeasts. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:1719-1727. [PMID: 32856241 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00364-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Punicalagin is a phenolic compound extracted from Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil (Lythraceae) leaves. It has demonstrated interesting activity against pathogenic fungi, e.g., Cryptococcus gattii and Candida albicans, by inhibiting fungi growth in a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 4 μg/mL. However, the mechanisms behind its antifungal action are not well understood. In this study, certain parameters were investigated, by transmission electron microscopy, ergosterol synthesis inhibition, and flow cytometry analyses, to gain insight into the possible biological targets of punicalagin (4 or 16 μg/mL) against yeast cells. Data showed that, in contrast to untreated cells, punicalagin triggered severe ultrastructural changes in C. gattii and C. albicans, such as disorganization of cytoplasmic content and/or thickened cell walls. In addition, it caused a decrease in yeast plasma membrane ergosterol content in a concentration-dependent manner. However, it was unable to bring about significant fungal cell membrane rupture. On the other hand, punicalagin (16 μg/mL) significantly arrested C. albicans and C. gattii cells at the G0/G1 phase, with a consequent reduction in cells at the G2/M phase in both fungi isolates, and thereby prevented progression of the normal yeast cell cycle. However, these alterations showed no involvement of reactive oxygen species overproduction in C. albicans and C. gattii cells, although punicalagin triggered a significant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in C. albicans. These findings suggest that punicalagin is a promising plant-derived compound for use in developing new antifungal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaísa Cristina Silva
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Renato Ivan de Ávila
- Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Toxicologia In Vitro - Tox In, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Andressa Santana Santos
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Fábio Ataídes
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Carolina Rodrigues Costa
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Marize Campos Valadares
- Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Toxicologia In Vitro - Tox In, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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Felice MR, Giuffrè L, El Aamri L, Hafidi M, Criseo G, Romeo O, Scordino F. Looking for New Antifungal Drugs from Flavonoids: Impact of the Genetic Diversity of Candida albicans on the in-vitro Response. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:5108-5123. [PMID: 29278204 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666171226102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an era in which antimicrobial resistance is increasing at an alarming pace, it is very important to find new antimicrobial agents effective against pathogenic microrganisms resistant to traditional treatments. Among the notable breakthroughs in the past years of research in natural-drug discovery, there is the identification and testing of flavonoids, a group of plant-derived substances capable of promoting many beneficial effects on humans. These compounds show different biological activities such as inhibition of neuroinflammation and tumor growth as well as antimicrobial activity against many microbial pathogens. METHODS We undertook a review of protocols and standard strains used in studies reporting the inhibitory effects of flavonoids against Candida albicans by focusing our attention on genetic characterization of the strains examined. Moreover, using the C. albicans MLST-database, we performed a phylogenetic analysis showing the genetic variation occurring in this species. RESULTS Today, we have enough information to estimate genetic diversity within microbial species and recent data revealed that most of fungal pathogens show complex population structures in which not a single isolate can be designated as representative of the entire taxon. This is especially true for the highly divergent fungal pathogen C. albicans, in which the assumption that one or few "standard strains" can represent the whole species is overly unrealistic and should be laid to rest. CONCLUSION The goal of this article is to shed light on the extent of genetic variation in C. albicans and how this phenomenon can largely influence the activity of flavonoids against this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Felice
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Letterio Giuffrè
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Division of Animal Production, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Lamya El Aamri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Biology, Moulay Ismail University, Faculty of Sciences, Zitoune Meknes, Morocco
| | - Majida Hafidi
- Department of Biology, Moulay Ismail University, Faculty of Sciences, Zitoune Meknes, Morocco
| | - Giuseppe Criseo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) - Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
| | - Fabio Scordino
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) - Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
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11
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Liu X, Ma Z, Zhang J, Yang L. Antifungal Compounds against Candida Infections from Traditional Chinese Medicine. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:4614183. [PMID: 29445739 PMCID: PMC5763084 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4614183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by Candida albicans, often refractory and with high morbidity and mortality, cause a heavy burden on the public health while the current antifungal drugs are limited and are associated with toxicity and resistance. Many plant-derived molecules including compounds isolated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are reported to have antifungal activity through different targets such as cell membrane, cell wall, mitochondria, and virulence factors. Here, we review the recent progress in the anti-Candida compounds from TCM, as well as their antifungal mechanisms. Considering the diverse targets and structures, compounds from TCM might be a potential library for antifungal drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Zhiming Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Jingxiao Zhang
- Department of Emergency, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Longfei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
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Theoretical investigation of the conformational space of baicalin. J Mol Graph Model 2017; 76:181-191. [PMID: 28734206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Flavonoids are a large group of polyphenolic compounds ubiquitously present in plants. They are important components of human diet. They are recognized as potential drug candidates to be used in the treatment and prevention of a lot of pathological disorders, due to their protective effects. Baicalin (7-glucuronic acid 5, 6-dihydroxyflavone) is one of the main single active constituents isolated from the dried roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The great interest on this flavonoid is due to its various pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and so on, and its high accumulation in the roots of S. baicalensis. The aim of our work was to analyze the geometric and electronic properties of baicalin conformers (BCL), thus performing a complete search on the conformational space of this flavonoid in gas phase and in aqueous solution. The results indicate that the conformational space of baicalin is formed by eight conformers in gas phase and five conformers in aqueous solution optimized at B3LYP/6-311++G** theory level. BCLa2TT and BCLa1TT conformers have low stability in gas phase and very high stability in aqueous solution. This variation is related to a modification in the τ1 angle that represents the relative position of the glucuronide unit respect to the central rings of the flavan nucleus (A and C). This modification was successfully explained by examining the changes in the hydrogen bond (HB) interactions that occur in the region around the hydroxyl group located in position 6 of ring A. Besides, the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analyses indicate that BCLa2TT and BCLa1TT conformers are the most favorable conformers for interacting with positively charged species (such as metal ions) in aqueous media (such as biological fluids).
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Da X, Takahashi H, Hein KZ, Morita E. In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Kampo Medicine Water Extracts against Trichophyton Rubrum. Nat Prod Commun 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1601100616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Kampo medicines consist of a variety of crude animal, plant, and mineral extracts that have long been used to relieve different symptoms, and are relatively safe. However, their mechanisms of actions have not been well investigated. We screened 61 commercially available Kampo medicines to determine if they contain constituents with antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum. The antifungal effect of the Kampo medicines was determined by measuring the mean absorbance of treated fungal culture media. Lower absorbance values suggested a higher inhibition of the growth rate of T. rubrum by the Kampo medicines. We found that seven of the evaluated formulations exhibited a comparable antifungal activity to that of fluconazole at 14 mg/mL. The seven active Kampo medicines were Saiko-keishi-kankyou-to, Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to, Saiko-keishi-to, Keishi-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to, Dai-saiko-to, Bohu-tsu-sho-san, and Otsu-ji-to. The seven Kampo medicines with antifungal activity contain 30 different crude extracts, and Ou-gon (Scutellaria root) is a supplement contained in six of the seven formulations. Therefore, Ou-gon was considered to play a major role in their antifungal effect. The antifungal assay of the Ou-gon water extract showed that it significantly inhibited the growth of T. rubrum at a concentration of 20 mg/mL. Future studies will focus on the isolation and identification of the antifungal components of the crude extracts of Ou-gon, which may be potentially useful, new, and safe antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Da
- Department of Dermatology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Enya-cho 89-1, Izumo 693-8501, Shimane, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Enya-cho 89-1, Izumo 693-8501, Shimane, Japan
| | - Kyaw Zaw Hein
- Department of Dermatology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Enya-cho 89-1, Izumo 693-8501, Shimane, Japan
| | - Eishin Morita
- Department of Dermatology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Enya-cho 89-1, Izumo 693-8501, Shimane, Japan
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Zhou Y, Yang ZY, Tang RC. Bioactive and UV protective silk materials containing baicalin - The multifunctional plant extract from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2016; 67:336-344. [PMID: 27287129 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There has been a phenomenal increase in the research and development of new health and hygiene-related textile products. This work reports a novel approach to develop antibacterial, antioxidant and UV-protective silk using an adsorption technique of baicalin (a bioactive ingredient from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi). Baicalin displayed high adsorption capability at pH2.75, contributing to the sufficient functionalities on silk. The equilibrium adsorption research showed that the Langmuir isotherm was able to describe the behavior of baicalin, indicating the electrostatic interactions between the ionized carboxyl groups in baicalin and the positively charged amino groups in silk. The treated silk with 2% owf (on the weight of fiber) baicalin exhibited excellent antioxidant activity, high antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and very good ultraviolet protection ability comparable to that of the commercial benzotriazole ultraviolet absorber. The baicalin treatment had no obvious impact on the functional groups, crystal structure and surface morphology of silk. The functionalities of the treated silk obviously declined after first laundering cycle and slowly decreased in the following washing cycles. Encouraging results demonstrate that the baicalin-functionalized silk is a promising material for protective clothing and medical textiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Yang
- Lushan College, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, China
| | - Ren-Cheng Tang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou 215123, China.
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In vitro antifungal activity of baicalin against Candida albicans biofilms via apoptotic induction. Microb Pathog 2015; 87:21-9. [PMID: 26169236 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2014] [Revised: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity of baicalin and its potential mechanism of action against Candida albicans biofilms. The standard techniques including microdilution method and checkerboard assay were employed to evaluate the susceptibilities of baicalin alone and in combination with fluconazole against planktonic and biofilm cells of C. albicans. Transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), fluorescent microscope and flow cytometry were used to assess the apoptotic incidences induced by baicalin in biofilm cells. The expressions of four genes (RAS1, CAP1, PDE2 and TPK1) related to Ras-cAMP-PKA pathway were also analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and sessile minimum inhibitory concentration (SMIC50) of baicalin were 500 and 2000 μg/mL with fractional inhibitory concentration indexs (FICIs) ranging from 0.28 to 0.75. A series of events related to apoptosis were observed in baicalin-treated C. albicans biofilms, including extensive chromatin condensation along the nuclear envelope, ROS accumulation, MMP reduction, PS externalization, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation, metacaspase activation and Cyt C release. Additionally, the expressions of RAS1 and TPK1 were up-regulated by 3.2 and 2.9 folds respectively, while those of CAP1 and PDE2 were down-regulated by 3.3 and 6.6 folds respectively after exposure to baicalin in biofilm cells. In conclusion, baicalin can suppress the development of C. albicans biofilms most likely due to inducing cell death via apoptosis.
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