Casbane Diterpene as a Promising Natural Antimicrobial Agent against Biofilm-Associated Infections

Abstract

Croton nepetaefolius is a native plant from northeastern Brazil that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. The biological action of this plant has been extensively explored, being the secondary metabolites responsible for its properties alkaloids, diterpenes, and triterpenes. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of casbane diterpene (CD), isolated from the ethanolic extract of C. nepetaefolius, to inhibit microbial growth and biofilm formation of several clinical relevant species (bacteria and yeasts). It was found that CD possessed biocidal and biostatic activity against the majority of the species screened, with minimal active concentrations ranging between 125 and 500 µg/mL. In addition, it was observed that biofilm formation was inhibited even when the planktonic growth was not significantly affected. In conclusion, CD showed potential to be a natural tool for the treatment of diseases caused by different infectious microorganisms.

Resistance of bacterial biofilms to disinfectants: a review

“…Some are now being evaluated for their potential in eradicating biofilms. Examples include carvacrol, a natural terpene extracted from thyme or oregano (Knowles et al 2005), casbane diterpene, isolated from the ethanolic extract of a Brazilian native plant Croton nepetaefolius (Carneiro et al 2011), thymoquinone, an active principle of Arabian Nigella sativa seed (Chaieb et al 2011), and a naphthalene derivative isolated from Trachyspermum ammi seeds (Khan et al 2010) which limit the formation of biofilms of various bacterial species. More interestingly, some of these compounds have been tested for their bactericidal activity on established biofilms.…”

Antibiofilm activity of natural substances derived from plants

“…Only some species are able to adhere to a surface itself, others may anchor to the matrix or to preexisting colonies. Once the colonization has started, the biofilm develops in a combination of cellular division and recruitment of other cells (Carneiro et al, 2010).…”

Antimicrobial, Antimycobacterial and Antibiofi lm Properties of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. Fruit Extract

“…Next, Carneiro et al [77] tested sub-MIC concentrations of casbane diterpene (CS) extracted from Croton nepetaefolius bark against two Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. epidermidis), �ve Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas �uorescens, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella oxytoca, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli), and three yeasts (Candida tropicalis, C. albicans, and C. glabrata). S. aureus and S. epidermidis bio�lms were signi�cantly disrupted when CS was applied (125 g/mL and 250 g/mL, resp.).…”

“…Casbane diterpene activity against C. albicans and C. tropicalis was observed, reducing bio�lm formation by 50% (at concentrations of 62.5 g/mL and 15.6 g/mL, resp.) [77]. Candida bio�lm formation was inhibited more effectively by Boesenbergia pandurata (�nger-root) oil [78]; bio�lms were reduced by 63% to 98% when sub-MIC volumes (from 4 L/mL to 32 L/mL) were used.…”