Genipa americana L.: A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry and biological activities.

Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae), known as jenipapeiro, has therapeutic and nutritional potential. This integrative review aimed to gather information on botanical characteristics, popular uses, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of G. americana. The methodology employed to obtain the data integrated literature published between 2000 and 2023 and consultation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 articles and 11 patents were selected. The data showed iridoids as the majority in the species. The patents registered with WIPO indicate its use as a dye, insecticide, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. The main biological activities found were antimicrobial and antioxidant. The need for additional studies aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of action of the chemical components found can be highlighted, in addition to new research aimed at ethnopharmacology.

Enhancing the Antifungal Efficacy of Fluconazole with a Diterpene: Abietic Acid as a Promising Adjuvant to Combat Antifungal Resistance in Candida spp.

The increasing antifungal resistance rates against conventional drugs reveal the urgent need to search for new therapeutic alternatives. In this context, natural bioactive compounds have a critical role in antifungal drug development. Since evidence demonstrates that abietic acid, a diterpene found in Pinus species, has significant antimicrobial properties, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of abietic acid against Candida spp and its ability to potentiate the activity of fluconazole. Abietic acid was tested both individually and in combination with fluconazole against Candida albicans (CA INCQS 40006), Candida krusei (CK INCQS 40095), and Candida tropicalis (CT INCQS 40042). The microdilution method was used to determine the IC50 and the cell viability curve. Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was determined by subculture in a solid medium. The plasma membrane permeability was measured using a fluorescent SYTOX Green probe. While the IC50 of the drugs alone ranged between 1065 and 3255 µg/mL, the IC50 resulting from the combination of abietic acid and fluconazole ranged between 7563 and 160.1 µg/mL. Whether used in combination with fluconazole or isolated, abietic acid exhibited Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) values exceeding 1024 µg/mL against Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. However, it was observed that the antifungal effect of fluconazole was enhanced when used in combination with abietic acid against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. These findings suggest that while abietic acid alone has limited inherent antifungal activity, it can enhance the effectiveness of fluconazole, thereby reducing antifungal resistance.