INVESTIGATION OF THE ANTIFUNGAL POTENTIAL OF Nectandra grandiflora NEES & MART ON SPECIES OF THE GENUS Candida
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.16891/2317-434X.v12.e4.a2024.pp4788-4798Keywords:
Antipleomorphism, Opportunistic fungi, Essential oilAbstract
The incidence of opportunistic fungal infections caused by species of the genus Candida is characterized as a serious threat to global health. Natural products are therefore emerging as possible therapeutic agents to be used in the treatment of these infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal potential of the essential oil from the leaves of Nectandra grandiflora Nees & Mart against opportunistic strains of the Candida genus. For the tests, the standard strains Candida albicans INCQS 40006 and Candida tropicalis INCQS 40042 were used. The 50 % inhibitory concentration (Cl50) and the intrinsic and combined activity of the oil with fluconazole were evaluated using the broth microdilution method; the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) and the effect on the morphological transition of the fungi were evaluated by subcultivation in Petri dishes and in a humid chamber, respectively. In the Cl50 test, the oil was found to be more active against C. albicans. The combination of essential oil and fluconazole obtained the best Cl50 value for both C. albicans and C. tropicalis. The growth inhibition curve showed a concentration-dependent effect. The CFM test showed only a fungistatic effect for both strains. The essential oil of N. grandiflora had an inhibitory effect and reduced the morphological transition of C. albicans; however, it had no effect on the morphological transition of C. tropicalis. Thus, it was found that the essential oil of N. grandiflora was able to potentiate the effect of the drug fluconazole on C. albicans and C. tropicalis, and to inhibit the pleomorphism of C. albicans.