Activity of phenolic compounds from plant origin against Candida species

Abstract

Candida albicans and other Candida species have been highly associated with several opportunistic fungal infections. Their ability to develop host infections is incited by different determinants, being virulence factors the most highlighted. Molecular targets of the antifungal drugs are crucial components for determination of yeast survival.Ergosterol, nucleic acids and glucan are the most studied molecular targets to destroy Candida species, being considered the basis of the development of new antifungal drugs. However, increasing levels of resistant Candida species to the current antifungal drugs have been observed, making ineffective those agents. Thus, other therapies more effective and safer than the current ones, are being studied, namely the use plant of extracts enriched in phenolic compounds. In this sense, this manuscript provide an historical perspective of the opportunistic fungal infections, molecular targets of the current anti-Candida drugs, as well as a general description of the active principles present in plants, focused on the antifungal potential of whole plant extracts and isolated phenolic compounds, against Candida species.

Anti-quorum sensing activity of phenolic extract from Eugenia brasiliensis (Brazilian cherry)

“…They are used by the plants against phytopathogens, radiation and are involved in antioxidant events (Tiveron et al, 2012). Phenolic compounds are associated with stress response in plants and have recognized antimicrobial properties (Martins et al, 2015).…”

Susceptibility testing of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata to Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

“…Candida species are responsible for several opportunistic disorders in human, which are difficult to treat mostly due to their increasing resistance to antifungals (Martins et al, 2015b). Therefore, it is very important to search and to develop efficient antifungal agents.…”

“…In fact, natural matrices possess a multitude of health benefits (Faria et al, 2011;Lopes et al, 2013;Sher, 2009). Particularly, the study of the antifungal and anti-yeast properties against opportunistic fungi and yeasts, such as Candida species, is still being the focus of numerous researches (Martins et al, 2015b(Martins et al, , 2014. Considered a commensal microorganism, being naturally present in gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of healthy population, Candida species have been increasingly associated with severe organic dysfunctions (Martins et al, 2014).…”

“…Despite at several years ago these drugs exerted a potent effect, presently they are no longer effective (Martins et al, 2015b). In a general manner, microorganisms have shown increasing rates of drug resistance, and Candida species comprises a very good example (Martins et al, 2015b).…”

“…Despite at several years ago these drugs exerted a potent effect, presently they are no longer effective (Martins et al, 2015b). In a general manner, microorganisms have shown increasing rates of drug resistance, and Candida species comprises a very good example (Martins et al, 2015b). Aiming to control/avert this emerging epidemic problem, numerous studies have been carried out to evaluate the acquired mechanisms of drug-resistance by Candida species, and to provide new insights to the candidiasis treatment (Jiang et al, 2014;Kanafani and Perfect, 2008;Perlin, 2009;Sanglard and Odds, 2002).…”