Ocotea glomerata (Nees) Mez Extract and Fractions: Chemical Characterization, Anti-Candida Activity and Related Mechanism of Action

Background: Opportunistic fungal infections are increasingly common, with Candida albicans being the most common etiological agent; however, in recent years, episodes of candidiasis caused by non-albicans Candida species have emerged. Plants belonging to the Lauraceae family have shown remarkable antifungal effects. This study assessed the anti-Candida activity of Ocotea glomerata extracts and fractions, time of death and the synergistic effects with conventional antifungals. The possible mechanism of action was also addressed. Methods: Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined by broth microdilution technique, and the mechanism of action was assessed by ergosterol, sorbitol, cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and phosphatidylserine externalization tests. Results: All the tested extracts evidenced antifungal activity, but the methanol extract was revealed to be the most effective (MIC = 3.12 μg/mL) on C. krusei. The combination of methanol extract with ketoconazole and fluconazole revealed a synergistic effect for C. krusei and C. albicans, respectively. Fractions 1 and 5 obtained from the methanol extract had fungicidal activity, mainly against C. krusei. Methanol extract did not reveal effects by ergosterol and sorbitol assays; however, it led to an increase in intracellular ROS levels, decreased cell viability, and consequently, cell death. Conclusion: O. glomerata methanol extract may be viewed as a rich source of biomolecules with antifungal activity against Candida spp

Crude extract and fractions from Eugenia uniflora Linn leaves showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities

Abstract Background This study showed phytochemical composition and evaluates the anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of crude extract (CE) and fractions from E. uniflora Linn leaves. Methods Polyphenols present in crude extract (CE), in aqueous fraction (AqF), and ethyl acetate (EAF) treated fractions from E. uniflora Linn leaves were shown by chromatographic analysis in order to conduct a phytochemical characterization. Antibacterial activity was evaluated based on minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) determined using the agar dilution method. Doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of the CE and fractions were applied for conducting in vivo models (male Swiss mice, 8–10 weeks old). The peritonitis experimental model was induced by carrageenan following of Myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), Total glutathione and malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1β and TNF-α levels by spectroscopic UV/VIS analysis. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated based on an abdominal writhing model and hot plate test. The results were statistically evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni’s post-hoc test. The level of statistical significance was p < 0.05. Results High-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-DAD) detected varying concentrations of gallic acid, ellagic acid, and myricitrin in the CE and fractions obtained from E. uniflora Linn leaves (0.05–0.87%w/w, 0.20–0.32%w/w, and 1.71–6.56%w/w, respectively). In general, the CE had lower MIC values than the fractions, including the lowest MIC against the MRSA strain. The CE and AqF also significantly reduced leukocyte migration and MPO activity (p < 0.05). In addition, AqF significantly reduced IL-1β and TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the CE and fractions exhibited an antioxidant effect (p < 0.05) and peripheral analgesic activity (p < 0.05). Conclusions The CE and fractions from the studied E. uniflora Linn leaves exhibited antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic activity in the performed assays