JAC Advance Access originally published online on September 14, 2006
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 2006 58(5):942-949; doi:10.1093/jac/dkl377
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Influence of tannins from Stryphnodendron adstringens on growth and virulence factors of Candida albicans
1 Mestranda do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil 2 Departamento de Farmácia e Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil 3 Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
Received 29 May 2006; returned 23 June 2006; revised 10 August 2006; accepted 22 August 2006
*Corresponding author. Tel: +55-44-3261-4863; Fax: +55-44-3261-4860; E-mail: cvnakamura{at}uem.br
Objectives: The main objective of this work was to investigate the antifungal activity of a crude extract, fractions and subfractions from Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville, known as barbatimão.
Methods: The growth inhibition by barbatimão of 103 isolates of yeasts from vaginal fluid was determined using the broth microdilution method. In addition, the effect of the most active subfraction on cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), germ-tube formation, budding, ultrastructure and phagocytosis of Candida albicans was analysed. Fluconazole and nystatin were used as reference drugs. The cytotoxicity of barbatimão to Vero cells, macrophages and red blood cells was assessed. The most active subfraction was characterized by mass and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
Results: Subfraction F2.4 had the best antifungal action at concentrations above 7.80 mg/L. Its action was similar to nystatin, and only slightly less effective than fluconazole. CSH and the capacity for adhering to Vero cells and a glass surface were lower in treated yeasts. In addition, the inhibition of formation of the germ tube, the increase in the number of buds and changes in the cell wall ultrastructure of C. albicans were also demonstrated. Barbatimão extracts showed low cytotoxicity to Vero cells, macrophages and red blood cells. Subfraction F2.4 is composed of proanthocyanidin polymers of prodelphinidin and prorobinetinidin units and gallic acid of molecular weight 2114 Da.
Conclusions: The antifungal action of subfraction F2.4 on C. albicans can be attributed to condensed tannins. It is considered moderate antifungal activity. These properties of barbatimão on the growth of C. albicans, putative virulence factors and its low cytotoxicity justify further studies to investigate the mechanisms of action and the possible development of a new antifungal agent.
Keywords: antifungal , yeasts , proanthocyanidin , electron microscopy , hydrophobicity