Case Report: Itraconazole Oral Solution Continuous Therapy for Infantile Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection caused by dermatophytes in children, but it is rare in infants. Although oral itraconazole has been widely used to treat tinea capitis, its use in infants is limited due to its low prevalence in this age group. A previous study reported the effectiveness of itraconazole continuous therapy in treating infantile tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis. However, this approach has not been extended to tinea capitis caused by other fungi. In this study, we present four cases of infantile tinea capitis treated with continuous itraconazole oral solution therapy (5 mg/kg/day). Two patients were infected with M. canis, one patient with Nannizzia gypsea, and another with Trichophyton tonsurans. This study assesses the efficacy and safety of itraconazole oral solution continuous therapy, expanding our understanding by demonstrating its effectiveness for infantile tinea capitis caused by T. tonsurans and N. gypsea.

Machine Learning Data Augmentation as a Tool to Enhance Quantitative Composition-Activity Relationships of Complex Mixtures. A New Application to Dissect the Role of Main Chemical Components in Bioactive Essential Oils

Scientific investigation on essential oils composition and the related biological profile are continuously growing. Nevertheless, only a few studies have been performed on the relationships between chemical composition and biological data. Herein, the investigation of 61 assayed essential oils is reported focusing on their inhibition activity against Microsporum spp. including development of machine learning models with the aim of highlining the possible chemical components mainly related to the inhibitory potency. The application of machine learning and deep learning techniques for predictive and descriptive purposes have been applied successfully to many fields. Quantitative composition-activity relationships machine learning-based models were developed for the 61 essential oils tested as Microsporum spp. growth modulators. The models were built with in-house python scripts implementing data augmentation with the purpose of having a smoother flow between essential oils' chemical compositions and biological data. High statistical coefficient values (Accuracy, Matthews correlation coefficient and F1 score) were obtained and model inspection permitted to detect possible specific roles related to some components of essential oils' constituents. Robust machine learning models are far more useful tools to reveal data augmentation in comparison with raw data derived models. To the best of the authors knowledge this is the first report using data augmentation to highlight the role of complex mixture components, in particular a first application of these data will be for the development of ingredients in the dermo-cosmetic field investigating microbial species considering the urge for the use of natural preserving and acting antimicrobial agents.

Isolation, identification, and antimycotic activity of plumbagin from Plumbago europaea L. roots, leaves and stems

Plumbago europaea L. is a plant utilized in Palestinian ethnomedicine for the treatment of various dermatological diseases. The current investigation was designed to isolate plumbagin from P. europaea leaves, roots and for the first time from the stems. Moreover, it aimed to evaluate the antimycotic activity against three human fungal pathogens causing dermatophytosis, also against an animal fungal pathogen. The qualitative analysis of plumbagin from the leaves, stems, and roots was conducted using HPLC and spectrophotometer techniques, while the structure of plumbagin was established utilizing Proton and Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Infrared (IR) techniques. The entire plant constituents were determined by GC-MS. Moreover, the antimycotic activity against Ascosphaera apis, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes was assessed utilizing the poison food technique method. The percentage of plumbagin recorded in the leaves, stems, and roots was found to be 0.51±0.001%, 0.16±0.001%, and 1.65±0.015%, respectively. The GC-MS examination declared the presence of 59 molecules in the plant extract. The plant extract and pure plumbagin exhibited complete inhibition against all tested dermatophytes at 6.0mg/mL for the extracts and 0.2mg/mL for plumbagin. P. europaea root is the best source of plumbagin and the plant extract could represent a potential drug candidate for the treatment of dermatophytosis infections. Further studies required to design suitable dosage forms from the natural P. europaea root extracts or plumbagin alone, to be utilized for the treatment of dermatological and veterinary ailments.

Volatilome Analyses and In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils from Five South African Helichrysum Species

Helichrysum genus was used in folk South African medicine to treat various human disorders. As a part of our on-going research addressing the exploitation of South African plants belonging to this genus, five species were investigated for their volatile and antimicrobial activities. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the essential oils (EOs) were analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Microdilution was the method used for assessing both antimycotic and antibacterial activities, which was also tested by Kirby-Bauer agar disc diffusion. Total monoterpenes (TMs) dominated the VOCs of four species (H. trilineatum (70.6%), H. edwardsii (79.3%), H. cooperi (84.5%), and H. pandurifolium (57.0%)). H. cooperi and H. edwardsii EOs showed the predominance of TMs (68.2% and 84.5%, respectively), while H. pandurifolium and H. trilineatum EOs were characterized by the prevalence of TSs (86.5% and 43.6%, respectively). H. odoratissimum EO evidenced a similar amount of both TMs (49.5%) and TSs (46.4%). Microsporum canis was more sensitive to these EOs. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was observed with H. pandurifolium and H. edwardsii EOs (0.25%). H. pandurifolium and H. trilineatum had a good effect on Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 5%). These findings open new perspectives for the exploitation of these natural compounds for application in cosmetics and pharmaceutics.

Comparative evaluation of E-test and CLSI methods for Itraconazole, Fluconazole and Ketoconazole susceptibilities of Microsporum canis strains

The incidence of resistance to antifungal agents for dermatophytes is increasing, but most of the methods currently available to test the antifungal susceptibility of Microsporum canis still require standardization. The aims of this study were: (i) to evaluate the antifungal susceptibility of M. canis strains recovered from animals to ketoconazole (KTZ), fluconazole (FLZ) and itraconazole (ITZ) using a modified CLSI broth microdilution (CLSI M38-A2-BMD) and the E-test® protocols and (ii) to estimate the agreement between the methods. Tentative azole epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) were also proposed in order to interpret the results of in vitro susceptibility tests and to establish the agreement between the E-test and CLSI BMD methods. A total of forty clinical M. canis strains from animals with skin lesions were tested, and the essential (EA) and categorical agreement (CA) between the two methods were determined. KTZ displayed the lowest MIC values, while ITZ and FLZ the highest. The ECV for KTZ and ITZ were 4 μg/ml, while those of FLZ was 64 μg/ml. Based on ECVs, about 88% of M. canis strains were susceptible to all azoles being a cross-resistance with ITZ-FLZ registered for one strain. A total of five M. canis strains showed MIC > ECV for FLZ using CLSI, while one strain showed MIC > ECV for ITZ using both tests. KTZ, ITZ and FLZ showed EA ranging from 92.5 to 95%, for all azoles and CA > 97% except for FLZ (87.5%). The good CA between the E-test and the CLSI BMD provides evidence of the reliability of the former method to test the antifungal susceptibility of M. canis for ITZ and KTZ and not for FLZ.

Triterpenoids and Their Glycosides from Glinus Oppositifolius with Antifungal Activities against Microsporum Gypseum and Trichophyton Rubrum

Four new triterpenoids, 3β,12β,16β,21β,22-pentahydroxyhopane (1), 12β,16β,21β,22-tetrahydroxyhopan-3-one (2), 3-oxo-olean-12-ene-28,30-dioic acid (3), and 3β-hydroxyoleana-11,13(18)-diene-28,30-dioic acid 30-methyl ester (4); 21 new triterpenoid saponins, glinusopposides A-U (5-25); and 12 known compounds (26-37) were isolated from the whole plants of Glinus oppositifolius. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on the analysis of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) data. All compounds from the plants were measured for antifungal activities against Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton rubrum. Glinusopposide B (6), glinusopposide Q (21), glinusopposide T (24), and glinusopposide U (25) showed strong inhibitory activities against M. gypseum (MIC50 7.1, 6.7, 6.8, and 11.1 μM, respectively) and T. rubrum (MIC50 14.3, 13.4, 11.9, and 13.0 μM, respectively). For those active compounds with an oleanane skeleton, glycosylation (21-26) or oxidation (3) of 3-OH was helpful in increasing the activity; replacement of the 30-methyl group (29) by a carboxymethyl group (26) enhanced the activity; the presence of 11,13(18) double bonds (20) decreased the activity.

Activity of Salvia dolomitica and Salvia somalensis Essential Oils against Bacteria, Molds and Yeasts

Essential oils (EOs) from Salvia dolomitica and Salvia somalensis, widely employed in the cosmetic and perfume industry, were analyzed for composition and tested against bacterial and fungal pathogens isolated from clinical and environmental specimens. The analyses were carried out against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudointermedius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus canis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Mucor sp. and Trichothecium roseum. Both EOs showed similar percentages of total monoterpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The main constituents were 1,8-cineole and β-caryophyllene in S. dolomitica and bornyl acetate and camphor in S. somalensis. The selected EOs have no relevant antifungal or antibacterial activities if compared to conventional drugs.

Chemoselective fluorination and chemoinformatic analysis of griseofulvin: Natural vs fluorinated fungal metabolites

Griseofulvin is a fungal metabolite and antifungal drug used for the treatment of dermatophytosis in both humans and animals. Recently, griseofulvin and its analogues have attracted renewed attention due to reports of their potential anticancer effects. In this study griseofulvin (1) and related analogues (2-6, with 4 being new to literature) were isolated from Xylaria cubensis. Six fluorinated analogues (7-12) were synthesized, each in a single step using the isolated natural products and Selectflour, so as to examine the effects of fluorine incorporation on the bioactivities of this structural class. The isolated and synthesized compounds were screened for activity against a panel of cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-435, MDA-MB-231, OVCAR3, and Huh7.5.1) and for antifungal activity against Microsporum gypseum. A comparison of the chemical space occupied by the natural and fluorinated analogues was carried out by using principal component analysis, documenting that the isolated and fluorinated analogues occupy complementary regions of chemical space. However, the most active compounds, including two fluorinated derivatives, were centered around the chemical space that was occupied by the parent compound, griseofulvin, suggesting that modifications must preserve certain attributes of griseofulvin to conserve its activity.

MODELLING AND BIOPHARMACEUTICAL EVALUATION OF CICLOPIROX OLAMINE GELS

The ciclopirox olamine (CPO) has a broad antimicrobial profile including dermatophytes, yeasts and is used in various pharmaceutical forms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of the CPO gels according to biopharmaceutial tests in vitro and antifungal activity assay. Hydroxypropyl cellulose, chitosan and poloxamer 407 were selected as agents gelificants. The effects of gelling agent properties and concentration on the consistency and flow characteristics have been studied by rheometer. CPO release rates from gel were measured with Franz type diffusion cells. The antifungal activity of gels was tested using agar well diffusion technique. The results of the experimental study have shown that the rheological properties of the medications depend on the selected gelling agent and the amount of it. The higher amounts of CPO were released from the poloxamer 407 gels. Though all tested CPO gels showed great inhibition of Microsporn canis.

Melokhanines A-J, Bioactive Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids with Diverse Skeletons from Melodinus khasianus

The new melokhanines A-J (1-10) and 22 known (11-32) alkaloids were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Melodinus khasianus. The new compounds and their absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic, X-ray diffraction, and computational data. Melokhanine A (1), composed of a hydroxyindolinone linked to an octahydrofuro[2,3-b]pyridine moiety, is an unprecedented monoterpenoid indole alkaloid. Melokhanines B-H (2-8) possess a new 6/5/5/6/6 pentacyclic indole alkaloid skeleton. Alkaloids 1-16, 25-27, 31, and 32 showed the best antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC range 2-22 μM). Among the seven dermatophytes tested, compound 1 showed significant inhibitory activity against Microsporum canis, M. ferrugineum, and Trichophyton ajelloi (MIC range 38-150 μM), i.e., half the efficacy of the positive control, griseofulvin.

Anti-dermatophyte efficacy and environmental safety of some essential oils commercial and in vitro extracted pure and combined against four keratinophilic pathogenic fungi

AIM

Establish new biocontrol practices with low persistence in the environment against dermatophyte causing mycosis.

METHODS

Antimycotic activity of twenty-six plant-derived commercial essential oils (EOs) was evaluated against four dermatophyte keratinophilic fungi (Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes). Commercial EOs which showed the strongest mycelial growth inhibitions were selected and re-extracted in vitro from fresh plant samples. Minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and antifungal index (AI) of pure and combined extracted oils and were evaluated. All samples were collected and examined during the year of 2014.

RESULTS

The results revealed that commercial EOs of Prunus armeniaca, Prunus dulcis var. amara, Olea europaea and Mentha piperita were the most potent antidermatophyte. The mixture of the extracted four oils was the strongest fungicides followed by the alternative two-oil combined extractions then pure extracted oils. MIC was at 50, 25 and 12.5 μg/disc for pure oils, two-oil combinations and four-oil mixture, respectively. Achieved values of AI were found variable.

CONCLUSION

Using of natural products like plant-derived EOs instead of chemotherapy on pathogens can be regarded as an environmental safety mode of diseases control.

A Multi-Target Approach toward the Development of Novel Candidates for Antidermatophytic Activity: Ultrastructural Evidence on α-Bisabolol-Treated Microsporum gypseum

Multi-target strategies are directed toward targets that are unrelated (or distantly related) and can create opportunities to address different pathologies. The antidermatophytic activities of nine natural skin lighteners: α-bisabolol, kojic acid, β-arbutin, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, nicotinamide, glycine, glutathione and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, were evaluated, in comparison with the known antifungal drug fluconazole, on nine dermatophytes responsible for the most common dermatomycoses: Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton violaceum, Nannizzia cajetani, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Arthroderma gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans. α-Bisabolol showed the best antifungal activity against all fungi and in particular; against M. gypseum. Further investigations were conducted on this fungus to evaluate the inhibition of spore germination and morphological changes induced by α-bisabolol by TEM.

Antifungal activity of 40 TCMs used individually and in combination for treatment of superficial fungal infections

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

A series of 40 important Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs), which were reported effective in treating superficial fungal infections of the skin in Chinese clinical trial publications and Chinese Herbal Classics, were chosen for the investigation of the individual and combination antifungal properties against 8 superficial fungal strains in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plant preparations were followed the theory of TCM by using sterile water boiled with plant material at 100°C to produce water decoction of the tested sample. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each plant for each fungus was determined. For the compatibility investigation, both invariable (same amounts of each tested TCM) and variable (different amounts of each tested TCM) combinations were evaluated.

RESULTS

All the tested TCMs demonstrated varying degrees of antifungal activities against one or more of the tested superficial fungi, and 16 of which were effective on all of the fungi. Strong antifungal activities were exhibited by water decoction of 7 TCMs with MIC at about 100μg/ml, and among these effective antifungal extracts, 4 TCMs including Melaphis chinensis, Polygonum cuspidatum, Punica granatum and Schisandra chinensis showed the significantly inhibitory activities against all of the fungi with MICs among 50μg/ml. Most of the invariable combinations of the above-mentioned 4 TCMs showed synergic effects against 4 of the least susceptible fungi strains, especially the invariable combination of Punica granatum, Melaphis chinensis and Schisandra chinensis, with the MIC at 23.4μg/ml. However, their further variable combinations investigation demonstrated that only the combination of 7.5g Punica granatum with 10g Melaphis chinensis and 7.5g Schisandra chinensis showed synergic effect with the MIC at19.5μg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study aimed the discovery of therapeutically useful agents for treatment of superficial fungal infections. Findings suggested that the combination of 3 TCMs including Punica granatum, Melaphis chinensis and Schisandra chinensis showed potential antifungal activity and thus appeared to be promising agents in preventing superficial fungal skin infectious in a natural way through herbal resources. The synergic effects of invariable and variable combinations of the tested TCMs threw a light on our further animal model and clinical practice as well as the bio-guided isolation and identification of the antifungal compounds.

Intravenous Iron Sucrose Therapy in Iron Deficiency Anemia in Antenatal and Postnatal Patients

INTRODUCTION

Dermatophytosis is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin, hair and nails caused by Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton dermatophytic species. Identification of causative dermatophytic species tend to vary with time and place and antifungal sensitivity is of epidemiological concern as well as significant for the treatment with precision at the current scenario of increasing antifungal resistance. The objectives was to study clinicomycological profile and antifungal sensitivity pattern of commonly used azoles in dermatophytosis.

METHODS

The prospective analysis of 145 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis was conducted from January 2014 to January 2015 at Department of Dermatology of COMS, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal. Cases were evaluated and data recorded as per proforma. Samples were collected for microscopy and culture from skin, hair and nail. Antifungal sensitivity pattern was evaluated by standard disk diffusion technique.

RESULTS

Maximum numbers of cases with dermatophytosis were observed between June to September with male to female ratio of 1.4:1. The youngest patient was 3 years and the oldest was 76 years. Tinea corporis (25.5%) was the dominant clnical type observed. Overall direct microscopy (KOH) positivity and culture positivity was 64.8% and 57.2% respectively. Predominant species of dermatophyte isolated was T. mentagrophyte (23.4%). Out of five antifungals used in our study, fluconazole and ketoconazole were found 100% resistant.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted the increasing resistance of the antifungals, which is responsible for the treatment failure in dermatophye infections.

Susceptibility of clinically important dermatophytes against statins and different statin-antifungal combinations

The investigation of the antifungal activities of drugs whose primary activities are not related to their antimicrobial potential is in the current forefront of research. Statin compounds, which are routinely used as cholesterol-lowering drugs, may also exert direct antimicrobial effects. In this study, the in vitro antifungal activities of various statins (lovastatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and pravastatin) were examined against one isolate each of four dermatophyte species (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum). Basically, statins were effective in inhibiting all dermatophyte studied, but were particularly active against M. canis and T. mentagrophytes. Fluvastatin and simvastatin were active against all of the tested fungi causing a complete inhibition of their growth at very low concentrations (6.25-12.5 μg/ml). Lovastatin and rosuvastatin had inhibitory effects at higher concentrations (25-128 μg/ml), while atorvastatin and pravastatin proved the less effective. The in vitro interactions between statins and different antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, amphotericin B, nystatin, griseofulvin, terbinafine and primycin) were also investigated using a standard chequerboard broth microdilution method. Synergetic interactions were observed in several cases, most of them were noticed when statins were combined with terbinafine and the different azoles. Some combinations were particularly active (ketoconazole-simvastatin or terbinafine-simvastatin), as they were found to exert synergistic effect against all of the investigated isolates. The other antifungals showed synergistic interactions with statins in only certain cases. These results suggest that statins exert substantial antifungal effects against dermatophyte fungi and they should be promising components in a combination therapy as they can act synergistically with a number of clinically used antifungal agents.

Balticidins A-D, antifungal hassallidin-like lipopeptides from the Baltic Sea cyanobacterium Anabaena cylindrica Bio33

Balticidins A-D (1-4), four new antifungal lipopeptides, were isolated from the laboratory-cultivated cyanobacterium Anabaena cylindrica strain Bio33 isolated from a water sample collected from the Baltic Sea, Rügen Island, Germany. Fractionation of the 50% aqueous MeOH extract was performed by bioassay-guided silica gel column chromatography followed by SPE and repeated reversed-phase HPLC. The main fraction containing the compounds exhibited a strong and specific antifungal activity with inhibition zones in an agar-diffusion assay from 21 to 32 mm against Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida maltosa, Aspergillus fumigatus, Microsporum gypseum, Mucor sp., and Microsporum canis. The structures were elucidated by multidimensional (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, HRESIMS, amino acid analysis, and sugar analysis. Spectroscopic data analysis afforded an unambiguous sequence of R.CHO(S1).CHOH.CONH-Thr(1)-Thr(2)-Thr(3)-HOTyr(4)-Dhb(5)-D-Gln(6)-Gly(7)-NMeThr(8)(S2)-L-Gln COOH(9), in which Dhb is dehydroaminobutyric acid, S1 is d(-)-arabinose-(3-1)-D-(+)-galacturonic acid, S2 is D-(+)-mannose, and R is the aliphatic residue -C13H26Cl or -C13H27. Besides NMeThr, D-allo-Thr, D-Thr, and L-Thr were identified, but the position of the enantiomers in the sequence is not clear. The four balticidins differ in their cyclic (2, 4)/linear (1, 3) core and the presence (1, 2)/absence (3, 4) of chlorine in the aliphatic unit.

Isolation of major components from the roots of Godmania aesculifolia and determination of their antifungal activities

From the methanol root extract of Godmania aesculifolia, a species selected in a multinational OAS program aimed at discovering antifungal compounds from Latin American plants, a new chavicol diglycoside (1), the known 3,4-dihydroxy-2-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (2), and lapachol (3) were isolated and characterized by 1D and 2D NMR and MS techniques. Only 3 exhibited fairly good activity against a panel of clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC50 between 7.8 and 31.2 µg/mL) and moderate activities against Candida spp. and non-albicans Candida spp.

Synthesis, spectral characterization, self-assembly and biological studies of N-acyl-2-pyrazolines bearing long alkoxy side chains

A series of new pyrazoline derivatives (1b-4c) bearing N-acyl arms and nine to twelve carbon long alkoxy side chains was synthesized and characterized on the basis of spectroscopic data and microanalysis. The nature of self-assembly to understand the interplay of alkoxy chain crystallization and various supramolecular interactions was investigated using single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Interesting self-assembled supramolecular structures of 1b and 4c were observed in the crystal lattice owing to various CH⋯O, H⋯H, CH⋯π, lonepair⋯π and π⋯π interactions. Further, all the synthesized compounds (1b-4c) were screened for their in vitro antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 2b, 3b, 2c and 3c showed significant to moderate antifungal activity against Microsporum canis whereas most of the other compounds were found inactive against all the five tested fungal strains. Good anti-inflammatory activity was observed for compounds 1b with IC50 value 331 μM compared to 273 μM for Indomethacine, a standard reference drug. The bio-activity data demonstrates the relationship between lipophilicity, solubility and bioavailability.

Preliminary Anti-Fungal Activity of the Aqueous Bark Extract of Calotropis procera (ASCLEPIADACEAE)

BACKGROUND

Calotropis procera is a species of flowering plant which belongs to the Asclepiadaceous family. Its other names are Apple of Sodom, Giant Milkweed and Swallow-wort. It's native to Africa and Asian countries where they exist as a spreading shrub or small tree with height of about 4m. They. exude copious milky sap when cut or broken. It has a broad grey-green leaves with a pointed tip, two rounded basal lobes and no leaf stalk. Their flowers are waxy white. The different part of this plant has been used for different medicinal purposes such as cure of leprosy, eczema, inflammation, cutaneous infections, syphilis, malarial and low hectic fevers, and as abortifacient.

OBJECTIVE

The extract of the bark of the plant Calotropis procera used locally by people in Sokoto to treat ringworm infection was investigated for the claimed activity by subjecting the extract collected to both phytochemical and antifungal screening.

METHODS

The extracts of water, n-hexane, petroleum ether and chloroform of the bark of the plant Calotropis procera were evaluated for the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, steroids and flavonoids. And the water extract which is often used by the local people was tested for antifungal activity using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) in Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method developed by Kirby et al. Fulcin tablet was used as a standard and two petridishes that does not contain the extracts were used as control.

RESULTS

In the phytochemical study using extracts of n-hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform and water, the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins and steroids (cardiac glycoside) were confirmed. Also, for the antifungal activity of the plant, there was a complete inhibition of Microsporum specie and Trichophyton specie in the sample after 10 days of inoculation when water extract at different concentrations (i.e. 20 mg/L, 30 mg/L and 40 mg/L) were applied. The tablet only completely inhibited Trichophyton specie. Epidermophyton specie was not found in the sample. The inhibitory effect of this extract was significant (p < 0.05) when compared with fulcin tablet.

CONCLUSION

The research confirmed that the extract of the bark of the plant Calotropis procera has some antifungal activity.

Antimicrobial activity of southern African medicinal plants with dermatological relevance: From an ethnopharmacological screening approach, to combination studies and the isolation of a bioactive compound

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ethnobotanical reports on more than 100 southern African medicinal plants with dermatological relevance have been highlighted, yet there is still limited scientific data to support claims for their antimicrobial effectiveness against skin pathogens. Guided by ethnobotanical data, this paper explores the antimicrobial efficacies of southern African medicinal plants used to treat skin ailments.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the antimicrobial properties of southern African medicinal plants against dermatologically relevant pathogens. The study also aimed at providing a scientific rationale for the traditional use of plant combinations to treat skin diseases and the isolation of the bio-active compound from the most active species, Aristea ecklonii (Iridaceae).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Organic and aqueous extracts (132) were prepared from 47 plant species and screened for antimicrobial properties against dermatologically relevant pathogens using the micro-titre plate dilution method. Four different plant combinations were investigated for interactive properties and the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration (ƩFIC) calculated. Isobolograms were used to further investigate the antimicrobial interactive properties of Pentanisia prunelloides combined with Elephantorrhiza elephantina at varied ratios. A bioactivity-guided fractionation process was adopted to fractionate the organic leaf extract of Aristea ecklonii.

RESULTS

Plants demonstrating notable broad-spectrum activities (MIC values ≤1.00mg/ml) against the tested pathogens included extracts from Aristea ecklonii, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Diospyros mespiliformis, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Gunnera perpensa, Harpephyllum caffrum, Hypericum perforatum, Melianthus comosus, Terminalia sericea and Warburgia salutaris. The organic extract of Elephantorrhiza elephantina, a plant reportedly used to treat acne vulgaris, demonstrated noteworthy antimicrobial activity (MIC value of 0.05mg/ml) against Propionibacterium acnes. Similarly, Diospyros mespiliformis reported for its traditional use to treat ringworm, also displayed noteworthy antimicrobial activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes (MIC 0.10mg/ml) and Microsporum canis (MIC 0.50mg/ml). The aqueous root extracts of Pentanisia prunelloides combined (1:1) with Elephantorrhiza elephantina displayed synergistic interactions (ƩFIC values 0.31-0.38) against Staphylococcus aureus, gentamycin-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans. Fractionation of Aristea ecklonii resulted in the isolation of the known bio-active compound, plumbagin, displaying noteworthy antimicrobial activity (MIC range between 2.00μg/ml and 16.00μg/ml).

CONCLUSION

Most of the plant extracts demonstrated pathogen specific antimicrobial effects with a few exhibiting broad-spectrum activities. Positive antimicrobial effects noted for plants such as Elephantorrhiza elephantina and Diospyros mespiliformis used for acne vulgaris and ringworm infections, respectively, give some validation to their reported traditiona l uses. Synergistic interactions noted for Pentanisia prunelloides combined with Elephantorrhiza elephantina validate an enhanced antimicrobial effect when used in combination. Noteworthy antimicrobial activities (MIC range between 2.00μg/ml and 16.00μg/ml) were observed for plumbagin isolated from Aristea ecklonii.

[Influence of the ecological group on the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of dermatophytic fungi]

BACKGROUND

Dermatophytes can be divided into geophilic (soil), zoophilic (animals) and anthropophilic (humans) strains, depending on the source of the keratin that they use for nutritional purposes.

AIMS

The in vitro susceptibility of clinical isolates of dermatophyte fungi has been studied in the 3 ecological groups with several antifungal agents for the topical management of dermatophytoses in order to determine their relationship with the ecological group.

METHODS

A standardised dilution micromethod in a liquid medium was used for the determination of the in vitro antifungal activity of 9 topical antifungal drugs: amorolfine (AMR), bifonazole (BFZ), clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, oxiconazole, terbinafine (TRB) and tioconazole. The in vitro activity was obtained against 124 clinical isolates of dermatophyte moulds from the anthropophilic, zoophilic and geophilic ecological groups.

RESULTS

The in vitro antifungal activity was different depending on the ecological group, although a species-dependent profile was also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Azole derivatives showed a similar antifungal profile, being more active against anthropophilic dermatophytes > zoophilic > geophilic. Activity of TRB and AMR was different from that of azole derivatives (zoophilic > anthropophilic > geophilic). A higher in vitro antifungal activity against the 3 ecological groups was observed with TRB and AMR, whilst BFZ was the less active drug.

Characterization and biological studies of bis- and tera-acetyl derivatives of hydrocarbon-bridged diamines-I

A systematic study of the pharmaceutically important, double ended, chelating agents of the types CH(3)CONH(CH(2))nNHCOCH(3) and (CH(3)CO)(2)N(CH(2))n N(COCH(3))(2), where n= 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, prepared by the bis- and tetra-acetylation of the corresponding diamino-polymethylenes, have been carried out. Bis- and tertra-acetyl derivatives have been characterized by their elemental analysis and the FTIR spectra, Mass spectra and H-NMR spectra of these compounds have been reported to establish their structures. In the present work, FTIR spectra have been found an excellent means for distinguishing the bis-acetyl derivatives from their tetra-acetyl counterparts. The structures of these bis- and tetra-acetyl compounds have further been established by their H-NMR and Mass Spectra. The selective pharmacological screening of the derivatives was carried out according to the standard procedures. The compounds were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities and it was found that majority of these compounds did not possess any remarkable activity. Only the compound BA1,2-DAE, showed significant antifungal activity against Microsporum canis (80%).

[Normative research on bacteriostasis and relieving itching external therapeutic function of kochiae fructus]

OBJECTIVE

To normalize bacteriostasis and relieving itching external therapeutic function of Kochiae Fructus.

METHODS

Itching guinea pig model caused by histamine, itching mice model, eczema guinea pig model caused by OVA, and inhibitory effect on pathogens in vitro were used to observe the itching threshold, symptoms and other related physiological index, as well as the inhibitory effect on the normal skin fungi by water extraction of Kochiae Fructus to evaluate the external therapeutic function of Kochiae Fructus.

RESULTS

The itching threshold of guinea pig itching model treated by water extraction of Kochiae Fructus at high, medium and low three dosage level, could be significantly increased when compared with negative control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); Red speckle of OVA guinea pig model treated by water extraction of Kochiae Fructus at high, medium and low three dosage level, could be significantly decreased when compared with negative control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); The number of itching and total time of itching within 30 minutes of mice model caused by R-glycose anhydride treated by water extraction of Kochiae Fructus at high, medium and low three dosage level, could be significantly decreased when compared with negative control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); Several common skin fungi could be significantly inhibited by the water extraction of Kochiae Fructus. MIC of the water extraction of Kochiae Fructus on Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton violaceum, and Trichophyton schoenleini were 3.12%, 0.78%, 0.78%, 0.78%, 0.78%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Kochiae fructus has the effect of bacteriostasis and relieving itching.

[Study on antifungal susceptibility of different extract of Dryopteris fragrans]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the antifungal effect of different extract of Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott. in vitro, and screen the effective fraction from those extracts.

METHODS

Separated the Dryopteris fragrans extract and got four parts by refluxing extraction,and determined the contents of total phloroglucinol. Disc agar diffusion method and solid agar dilution method were used to determine inhibitory effect. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) of different parts of Dryopteris fragrans extract against four strains of common clinical dermatophytes were investigated.

RESULTS

The data showed that the contents sequence of total phloroglucinol was in the following order: 95% -ethanol extract > water extract > diethyl ether extract > petroleum ether extract, and the antimicrobial activities against the four dermatophytes were as following order: 95% -ethanol extract > water extract > di-ethyl ether extract > petroleum ether extract.

CONCLUSION

The contents of total phloroglucinol in 95% -ethanol extract of Dryopteris fragrans is the highest, and the antifungal activity against dermatophytes in vitro is the strongest. The effective fraction of Dryopteris fragrans is the 95%-ethanol extract.

Synthesis, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of a new phloridzin derivative for dermo-cosmetic applications

The phenolic compound phloridzin (phloretin 2&#8242;-O-glucoside, variously named phlorizin, phlorrhizin, phlorhizin or phlorizoside) is a prominent member of the chemical class of dihydrochalcones, which are phenylpropanoids. Phloridzin is specifically found in apple and apple juice and known for its biological properties. In particular we were attracted by potential dermo-cosmetic applications. Here we report the synthesis, stability studies and antimicrobial activity of compound F2, a new semi-synthetic derivative of phloridzin. The new derivative was also included in finished formulations to evaluate its stability with a view to a potential topical use. Stability studies were performed by HPLC; PCL assay and ORAC tests were used to determine the antioxidant activity. F2 presented an antioxidant activity very close to that of the parent phloridzin, but, unlike the latter, was more stable in formulations. To further explore potential health claims, antifungal activity of phloridzin and its derivative F2 were determined; the results, however, were rather low; the highest value was 31,6% of inhibition reached by F2 on Microsporum canis at the highest dose.

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of leaf extract of Valeriana wallichii DC

Valeriana wallichii DC (Valerianaceae) is one of the most widely used traditional remedies for various complications associated with nervous system and digestion. No antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory studies have so far been carried out on the aerial parts of the plant. The present work was focused to evaluate the antimicrobial (antifungal and antibacterial) and anti-inflammatory properties of V. wallichii using reported methods. Chloroform fraction (VW-2) and hexane fraction (VW-3) exhibited significant activity against S. aureus and B. subtilus, respectively. The chloroform fraction (VW-2) showed significant activity against S. aureus with 0.27 mg/ml MIC, where 0.31 mg/ml MIC was deduced for VW-3 fraction against B. subtilus. VW-3 fraction was also found to be the most potent inhibitor of M. canis, showing 70% inhibition with an MIC value of 0.19 mg/ml. Considerable inhibitory activity was also observed for VW-2 and water fraction (VW-6) against M. canis and A. flavus. A remarkable anti-inflammatory like activity was observed for the crude extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg at all observed durations. Other doses of the sample also showed excellent activity. Looking to these results it may be concluded that V. wallichii may be a potential source for activity guided isolation of natural products with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory-like properties.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excel essential oil

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excel (family Euphorbiaceae) stem bark is used in Cameroon by Baka pygmies as a remedy for wound healing and tetanus.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To characterize the chemical composition and to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the essential oil of the plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The essential oil was extracted from the stem bark by dynamic head space and by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC and GC-MS analyses. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated on the basis of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal-fungicidal concentration (MBC-MFC) by the micro and macrodilution methods. The following bacteria and fungi were used: Clostridium sporogenes ATCC 3584, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida albicans LM 450, Trichophyton mentagrophytes LM 230, Trichophyton rubrum LM 237, Microsporum canis LM 324.

RESULTS

The hydrodistillation afforded 0.06% (dry weight basis) of pale yellow oil. Thirty-eight compounds representing 90.69% were identified. The major component (36.40%) was found to be (E)-isoelemicin, identified by comparison of its (1)H-NMR experimental data, with literature data. The oil showed good antibacterial activity against Clostridium Sporogenes, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes with MIC ranging from 13.5 to 126 μg/ml. A weak antifungal activity (MIC 250 μg/ml) was found against Trichophyton rubrum, only.

CONCLUSIONS

The antimicrobial activity and the chemical composition of Phyllanthus muellerianus stem bark essential oil are reported for the first time.

Antifungal activity, toxicity and chemical composition of the essential oil of Coriandrum sativum L. fruits

The aims of this study were to test the antifungal activity, toxicity and chemical composition of essential oil from C. sativum L. fruits. The essential oil, obtained by hydro-distillation, was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Linalool was the main constituent (58.22%). The oil was considered bioactive, showing an LC₅₀ value of 23 μg/mL in the Artemia salina lethality test. The antifungal activity was evaluated against Microsporum canis and Candida spp. by the agar-well diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were established by the broth microdilution method. The essential oil induced growth inhibition zones of 28 ± 5.42 and 9.25 ± 0.5 for M. canis and Candida spp. respectively. The MICs and MFCs for M. canis strains ranged from 78 to 620 and 150 to 1,250 μg/mL, and the MICs and MFCs for Candida spp strains ranged from 310 to 620 and 620 to 1,250 μg/mL, respectively. C. sativum essential oil is active in vitro against M. canis and Candida spp. demonstrating good antifungal activity.

Bioactive metabolites from Guignardia sp., an endophytic fungus residing in Undaria pinnatifida

AIM

To isolate new and/or bioactive constituents from EtOAc extract of liquid culture of endophyte Guignardia sp. from the leaves of Undaria pinnatifida (Harv.) Sur.

METHODS

Isolation and purification were performed through silica gel column chromatograph, Sephadex LH-20 and reversed-phase ODS column and the structures of the compounds obtained were identified through a combination of spectral and chemical methods (IR, MS, (1)H and (13)C NMR). In vitro bioactive assays including antifungal activity against three human pathogenic fungi Microsporum canis, Tricophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosom and cytotoxic activity against the human nasopharyngeal epidermoid tumor KB cell line were evaluated.

RESULTS

Seven compounds have been obtained from the liquid culture of the title endophyte: ergosterol peroxide (6, 22-diene-5, 8-epidioxyergosta-3-ol) (1), ergosterol (2), cyclo-(Tyr-Leu) (3), cyclo-(Phe-Phe) (4), cyclo-(Val-Leu) (5), cyclo-(Phe-Pro) (6) and cyclo-(Leu-Ile) (7). Compounds 1-3 and 6 inhibited the growth of M. canis with MICs of 10.0, 20.0, 50.0 and 5.0 μg·mL(-1), respectively and compounds 1, 2 and 6 against T. rubrum with MICs of 15.0, 20.0 and 10.0 μg·mL(-1), respectively and 1 and 6 against E. floccosom with MICs of 20.0 and 50.0 μg·mL(-1), respectively. In addition, compounds 1, 3 and 6 exhibited cytotoxic activity against KB cell line with IC(50) of 20.0, 10.0, 10.0 μg·mL(-1), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Compounds 1-7 were obtained from Guignardia sp. of U. pinnatifida for the first time, and compounds 1 and 6 had potent cytotoxic and antifungal activity.

Antifungal activity of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Rutaceae) leaf extract on dermatophytes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of Aegle marmelos leaf extracts and fractions on the clinical isolates of dermatophytic fungi like Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Epidermophyton floccosum.

METHODS

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of various extracts and fractions of the leaves of Aegle marmelos were measured using method of National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS).

RESULTS

Aegle marmelos leaf extracts and fractions were found to have fungicidal activity against various clinical isolates of dermatophytic fungi. The MIC and MFC was found to be high in water and ethyl alcohol extracts and methanol fractions (200µg/mL) against dermatophytic fungi studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Aegle marmelos leaf extracts significantly inhibites the growth of all dermatophytic fungi studied. If this activity is confirmed by in vivo studies and if the compound is isolated and identified, it could be a remedy for dermatophytosis.

A random comparative study of terbinafine versus griseofulvin in patients with tinea capitis in Western China

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of terbinafine with griseofulvin in the treatment of tinea capitis in Western China.

METHODS

Children (2-14 years of age) with clinically diagnosed and potassium hydroxide microscopy-confirmed tinea capitis were randomized into three groups: group GRI4 received 4 weeks of griseofulvin; group TBF2 received 2 weeks of terbinafine; and Group TBF4 received 4 weeks of terbinafine. Clinical and mycological evaluations were done in 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks and 1 year after therapy started. The isolated pathogenic fungi were evaluated for in vitro susceptibility by detecting the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against terbinafine, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and ketoconazole.

RESULTS

The clinical effectiveness rate of GRI4, TBF2, and TBF4 were 100% (95% CI-confidence interval: 82-100%), 96.3% (95% CI: 81-100%), and 100%(95% CI: 85-100%), respectively, at week 8 and 100% after 1 year for the 3 groups; clinical cure rates were 84.2%(95% CI: 77-99%), 85.2%(95% CI: 71-98%), and 78.3%(95% CI: 61-95%), respectively, at week 8 and 100% after 1 year for all agents; mycological cure rates were 100%(95% CI: 74-100%), 95.0%(95% CI: 74-100%), and 94.1%(95% CI: 50-93%) at week 8 and 100% after 1 year for the 3 groups. In vitro, all patient-derived cultures were sensitive to the four antifungal agents.

CONCLUSION

Data from the clinical trial and in vitro antifungal activity indicated that terbinafine is efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment for Trichophyton infections (T. violaceum; Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii; and T. tonsurans) of the scalp, i.e., a 2- to 4-week course of terbinafine is as effective as a 4-week course of griseofulvin; in fact, a 2-week course of terbinafine is sufficient. Terbinafine is an effective alternative to griseofulvin against tinea capitis of Trichophyton infections.

A new compound, jolynamine, from marine brown alga Jolyna laminarioides

A new compound, jolynamine (1), was isolated from the marine brown alga Jolyna laminarioides collected from the coast of Karachi, Pakistan. In addition, four known compounds, namely saringosterol (2), loliolide (3), methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (4) and propyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (5), were isolated for the first time from the marine brown alga Iyengaria stellata, and two known compounds, namely 3,4,5-trimethylaniline (6) and harmine (7), were isolated for the first time from the marine brown alga Melanothamnus afaqhusainii. Compound 6 is synthetically known but was isolated for the first time from a natural source. The structures of these compounds were elucidated with the help of powerful spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, the methanolic extracts of both algae showed anti-microbial activities against various bacteria and fungi.

Chemical constituents from the leaves of Boehmeria rugulosa with antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities

Three new flavonoid glycosides, named chalcone-6'-hydroxy-2',3,4-trimethoxy-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), isoflavone-3',4',5,6-tetrahydroxy-7-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside] (2), and isoflavone-3',4',5,6-tetrahydroxy-7-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside] (3), were isolated from the leaves of Boehmeria rugulosa, together with five known compounds, beta-sitosterol, quercetin, 3,4-dimethoxy-omega-(2'-piperidyl)-acetophenone (4), boehmeriasin A (5), and quercetin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by means of chemical and spectral data including 2D NMR experiments. The ethanolic extract of leaves showed significant hypoglycemic activity on alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Glibenclamide, an oral hypoglycemic agent (5 mg/kg, p.o.), was used as a positive control. The ethanolic extract of the plant as well as the isolated compounds 1-3 (25 microg/ml) showed potent antimicrobial activity against two bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans) and three fungus pathogens (Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton rubrum). The activities of the isolated compounds 1-3 have been compared with positive controls, novobiocin, and erythromycin (15 microg/ml).

Ultrastructural changes on clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum caused by Solanum chrysotrichum saponin SC-2

Worldwide, dermatophytoses represent a high percentage of all superficial mycoses. The most frequently isolated dermatophyte is Trichophyton rubrum. Solanum chrysotrichum is a vegetal species widely used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat skin infections; its extract has been used to formulate an herbal medicinal product that is used successfully to treat Tinea pedis. Spirostanic saponin SC-2 from S. Chrysotrichum possesses high activity against dermatophytes. The present study reports the ultrastructural changes observed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in clinical isolates of T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum induced by saponin SC-2. Strains were grown in RPMI 1640 containing SC-2 (1600 microg/mL). Fungi were harvested at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h; controls without SC-2 were included. T. mentagrophytes was the most susceptible to the SC-2 saponin, followed by M. gypseum, while T. rubrum was the most resistant. The main alterations caused by the SC-2 saponin were as follows: i) loss of cytoplasmic membrane continuity; ii) organelle degradation; iii) to a lesser extent, irreversible damage to the fungal wall; and iv) cellular death.

Evaluation of fungicidal efficacy of benzalkonium chloride (Steramina G u.v.) and Virkon-S against Microsporum canis for environmental disinfection

The aim of this study is to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of Steramina G u.v. (10% solution of alkyldimetylbenzylammonium chloride; Formenti Grünenthal) and Virkon-S (multipurpose system; Antec International) against Microsporum canis-infected hairs and spores. Samples were collected from a random sample of household cats and from subjects from catteries. Seventy M. canis-positive hairbrushes containing furs, keratin scales and other organic material were treated with each of the two disinfectants, using concentrations recommended by the manufacturer's instructions (2% and 1% for Steramina G u.v. and Virkon-S, respectively). Each brush remained in contact with the antifungal solution for 10 min. After this period, the brushes were air-dried, then seeded into mycobiotic agar, and incubated for up to 21 days at 28 degrees C. The disinfectants were considered effective if dermatophytes failed to grow. Steramina G u.v. was effective in 97.14% of samples and Virkon-S in 87.14%. The antifungal activity of Steramina G u.v. against M. canis was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of Virkon-S.

Production of peptide antifungal antibiotic and biocontrol activity of Bacillus subtilis

Among different bacterial cultures, a potent Bacillus subtilis MTCC-8114 was isolated from garden soil samples which showed 16 and 14 mm inhibition zones by spot inoculation method and 24 and 22 mm inhibition zones by well agar diffusion method against test fungi i.e. Microsporum fulvum and Trichophyton species. Among four media tested, the maximum growth and antibiotic production was found in trypticase soya broth (TSB) medium at 37 degrees C, pH-7 and 48 h of incubation. The Rf value (0.64) by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) technique and UV and FTIR spectral data of the active antifungal compound, indicated that the isolated compound belongs to peptide antifungal antibiotic group. MIC value of antifungal antibiotic was 135 and 145 microg/ml.

Antifungal Cobalt(II), Copper(II), Nickel(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes of Furanyl-,Thiophenyl-, Pyrrolyl-, Salicylyl- and Pyridyl-derived Cephalexins

Some novel cephalexin-derived furanyl, thiophenyl, pyrrolyl, salicylyl and pyridyl Schiff's bases and their cobalt (II), copper (II), nickel (II) and zinc (II) complexes have been synthesized and studied for their antifungal properties against Trichophyton longifusus, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Microsporum canis, Fusarium solani and Candida glaberata. The presence of metal ions in the investigated Schiff's base complexes reported here lead to significant antifungal activity, whereas the parent ligands were generally less active.

Synthesis, physicochemical properties and antimicrobial evaluation of new (E)-chalcones

In a wide search program towards new and efficient antimicrobial agents, a series of 40 substituted chalcones have been synthesized and tested for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. The structures of these compounds have been investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Among the (E)-4-aminoalkylthiochalcones and (E)-4-aminoalkoxychalcones tested, compounds 7, 10, 11, 30 and 31 have exhibited good antibacterial property against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis.

Ethnoveterinary study for antidermatophytic activity of Piper betle, Alpinia galanga and Allium ascalonicum extracts in vitro

Crude ethanolic extracts of Piper betle leaves (Piperaceae), Alpinia galanga rhizomes (Zingiberaceae) and Allium ascalonicum bulbs (Liliaceae) were tested against selected zoonotic dermatophytes (Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophyte) and the yeast-like Candida albicans. A broth dilution method was employed to determine the inhibitory effect of the extracts and compared to those of ketoconazole and griseofulvin. All extracts suppressed the growth of the fungi in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the extracts tested, P. betle exhibited more effective antifungal properties with average IC(50) values ranging from 110.44 to 119.00 microg/ml. Subsequently, 10% Piper betle (Pb) cream was formulated, subjected to physical and microbial limit test and evaluated for antifungal effect. The disc diffusion assay revealed comparable zones of inhibition between discs of Pb cream containing 80 microg P. betle extract and 80 microg ketoconazole against tested fungi at 96 h after incubation. Thereafter, the inhibitory effect of Pb cream markedly decreased and completely lost effectiveness by day 7. In summary, the results supported the traditional wisdom of herbal remedy use and suggested a potential value-addition to agricultural products. It was suggested that the Pb cream has potential therapeutic value for treatment of dermatophytosis. However, clinical testing as well as improving the Pb cream formulation with greater efficacy and duration of action would be of interest and awaits further investigation.

Antifungal activity of the silver ion against contaminated fabric

An anti-fungal efficacy test of the silver laundry machine, which electrically generates silver ions, was carried out against four fungi--Trichophyton rubrum, Candida albicans, Microsporum canis and Aspergillus flavus--which cause major fungal infection in humans and animals. Compared with the conventional laundry machine, washing with the silver laundry machine regardless of detergent use was effective against most of the fungi with about 4 log(10) (CFU ml(-1)) reduction and eliminated almost all the fungi when using the detergent. Moreover, the cleaning activity of the silver laundry machine with detergent was higher than that of the conventional laundry machine with detergent both after wash and after final spin step against all four examined fungi. The silver laundry machine may be useful in preventing skin irritation caused by fungi-contaminated fabric in the hospital and in the home.

In vivo efficacy and pharmacokinetics of voriconazole in an animal model of dermatophytosis

The standard treatment for tinea capitis caused by Microsporum species for many years has been oral griseofulvin, which is no longer universally marketed. Voriconazole has been demonstrated to inhibit growth of Microsporum canis in vitro. We evaluated the efficacy and tissue pharmacokinetics of oral voriconazole in a guinea pig model of dermatophytosis. Guinea pigs (n = 16) were inoculated with M. canis conidia on razed skin. Voriconazole was dosed orally at 20 mg/kg/day for 12 days (days 3 to 14). The guinea pigs were scored clinically (redness and lesion severity) and mycologically (microscopy and culture) until day 17. Voriconazole concentrations were measured day 14 in blood, skin biopsy specimens, and interstitial fluid obtained by microdialysis in selected animals. Clinically, the voriconazole-treated animals had significantly less redness and lower lesion scores than untreated animals from days 7 and 10, respectively (P < 0.05). Skin scrapings from seven of eight animals in the voriconazole-treated group were microscopy and culture negative in contrast to zero of eight animals from the untreated group at day 14. The colony counts per specimen were significantly higher in samples from untreated animals (mean colony count of 28) than in the voriconazole-treated animals (<1 in the voriconazole group [P < 0.0001]). The voriconazole concentration in microdialysate (unbound) ranged from 0.9 to 2.0 microg/ml and in the skin biopsy specimens total from 9.1 to 35.9 microg/g. In conclusion, orally administered voriconazole leads to skin concentrations greater than the necessary MICs for Microsporum and was shown to be highly efficacious in an animal model of dermatophytosis. Voriconazole may be a future alternative for treatment of tinea capitis in humans.

ATTEMPTED TREATMENT OF TIGERS (PANTHERA TIGRIS) INFECTED WITH MICROSPORUM CANIS

An outbreak of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis occurred in tigers (Panthera tigris) at an exotic felid sanctuary in 2003. In an attempt to find an effective, practical, safe, and affordable method for controlling this epizootic, a clinical treatment trial was conducted. Nonalopecic tigers were studied to address the inapparent carrier state observed at the facility. The efficacy of three topical and environmental treatment combinations of a 2% lime sulfur solution and a peroxide-based cleaner were evaluated in nonalopecic, culture-positive tigers (n = 18) housed in four separate enclosures. Lime sulfur solution was applied topically to all of these animals. As a control, nonalopecic but culture-positive tigers (n = 6) housed in two other enclosures were not treated. Environmental treatments included lime sulfur solution (n = 1), a peroxide-based cleaner (n = 1), and no treatment (n = 2). All solutions were applied at 2-wk intervals for seven treatments. The 2% lime sulfur solution treatments were unsuccessful in resolving infections in most tigers. Lime sulfur was effective in suppressing environmental fungal growth immediately posttreatment, whereas the peroxide-based cleaner was not effective. A follow-up survey of all study tigers and their enclosures was conducted 2 yr later, at which time 22 of 24 tigers (92%) had attained resolution, defined as two sequential negative hair cultures. Review of the culture results during the clinical trial and follow-up study suggests that nonalopecic dermatophytosis in tigers that are housed outdoors may not warrant aggressive individual or environmental treatment, as the infection may clear with time.

In vitrohypoglycemic and antimicrobial activities ofSenecio leucanthemifoliusPoiret

This study reports on the alpha-amylase inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of Senecio leucanthemifolius Poiret. Extracts of S. leucanthemifolius were tested for their antimicrobial and antifungal activities against seven different pathogenic microorganisms using the microdilution technique. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited a strong antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 31.25 microg mL(-1), while the n-hexane extract showed a significant activity against dermatophytic fungi. S. leucanthemifolius extracts were tested also for their potential hypoglycemic activity through the in vitro inhibition of alpha-amylase. The dichloromethane extract inhibited alpha-amylase with a value of 56.6% at 0.05 mg mL(-1) and the n-butanol extract showed a value of 89.2% at 1 mg mL(-1).

Glucose improves the in vitro viability of Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes

We describe simple and cost-effective methods using carbohydrates to improve the in vitro viability of dermatophytes. Glucose and sucrose in different concentrations (3, 6, 9 and 12%) were used to maintain fifteen strains of M. canis and T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes at 4 and -20 degrees C. The strains were phenotypically analyzed before storage and reevaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. At 1 and 3 months, any alterations in the viability or phenotype pattern of the stored strains were noted. At 6 months, both dermatophytes were 100% viable, when preserved in glucose (3, 6, 9 and 12%) at -20 degrees C. All T. mentagrophytes strains were also viable in sucrose (12%), at 4 degrees C and -20 degrees C. However, sucrose failed to improve the viability of M. canis at both temperatures. At 9 months, the higher viabilities without pleomorphism were seen for both dermatophytes preserved in glucose (9 and 12%) at -20 degrees C.

Chemical composition, toxicological aspects and antifungal activity of essential oil from Lippia sidoides Cham

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to test the essential oil from Lippia sidoides Cham. for antifungal activity, in vitro, against Candida spp. and Microsporum canis, to evaluate its acute and subchronic toxicological effects, in vivo, and to determine its chemical constituents.

METHODS

The antifungal activity, in vitro, was initially evaluated by the agar-well diffusion technique, and the MIC and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined by the broth microdilution method. The acute and subchronic toxicological effects were determined in mice and rats, respectively. The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The essential oil obtained from L. sidoides was effective against all tested strains by the agar-well diffusion method. The MICs of L. sidoides essential oil for strains of M. canis ranged from 4 to 70 mg/L and the MFCs ranged from 9 to 150 mg/L. The MICs for strains of Candida spp. ranged from 620 to 2500 mg/L and the MFCs ranged from 1250 to 5000 mg/L. The main constituents of L. sidoides essential oil were thymol (59.65%), E-caryophyllene (10.60%) and p-cymene (9.08%). The acute administration of the essential oil up to 3 g/kg by the oral route to mice was devoid of overt toxicity. The 30 day oral administration of L. sidoides oil (117.95 mg/kg/day) to rats did not induce any significant histopathological, haematological or serum biochemical alterations.

CONCLUSIONS

The essential oil from L. sidoides may be a promising source in the search for new antifungal drugs due to its efficacy and low toxicity.

Species distribution and antifungal susceptibilities of dermatophytes during a one year period at a university hospital in Turkey

Dermatophyte infections have been considered to be a major public health problem in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to determine the causative agents of dermatophytoses and their antifungal susceptibilities in a Turkish University Hospital, west of Turkey. A total of 926 patients suspected to have dermatophytic lesions were examined over a period of 1 year (2001-2002). Samples collected from skin, hair and nails were submitted to direct microscopical examination using KOH and Calcofluor white stain, cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and Mycosel agar. The prevalence of dermatophytoses was 7.34% (68/926). Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequent dermatophyte isolated (56%) followed by T. mentagrophytes (38%), T. violaceum (1.5%), T. verrucosum (1.5%), Microsporum canis (1.5%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (1.5%). Tinea pedis (47%) was the most common type of infection, followed by tinea unguium (29%), tinea inguinalis (15%), tinea corporis (7.4%) and tinea capitis (1.6%). Secondary, we have tested 68 strains of dermatophytes against four antifungal agents following mainly the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards M38-P standard for filamentous fungi. In general, all antifungals were shown to be highly effective and itraconazole and naftifine appeared more active than ketoconazole and oxiconazole.