Análisis fitoquímico preliminar y actividad antifúngica In vitro del extracto etanólico de las hojas de Solanum hispidum pers. Colectadas en la localidad Obraje - Perú / Preliminary phytochemical analysis and in vitro antifungal activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Solanum hispidum pers. collected in the locality in Obraje - Peru

RESUMEN Objetivo . Analizar y determinar la actividad antifúngica in vitro del extracto etanólico de las hojas de Solanum hispidum Pers. Materiales y métodos . Se realizó el análisis fitoquímico preliminar cualitativo mediante reacciones de color y precipitación. Se investigó la actividad antifúngica in vitro frente a Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasilensis y Trichophyton mentagrophytes usando el método de difusión en pozo de agar y el ensayo de la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI). Resultados . El análisis fitoquímico preliminar cualitativo mostró la presencia de compuestos fenólicos, taninos, flavonoides, esteroides, alcaloides y saponinas. La actividad antifúngica in vitro fue demostrada para todos cultivos fúngicos con halos de inhibición entre 23 a 26 mm. Los valores de la CMI fueron de 125, 250 y 125 µg/mL para C. albicans, A. brasilensis y T. mentagrophytes, respectivamente. Conclusiones. El extracto etanólico de las hojas de Solanum hispidum Pers contiene importantes metabolitos secundarios y tiene moderada actividad antifúngica.

ABSTRACT Objective. To analyze and determine the in vitro antifungical activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Solanum hispidum Pers. Materials and methods. We carried out a preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis by color and precipitation reactions. We evaluated the in vitro antifungical activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasilensis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes by using the agar well diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Results. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids and saponins. In vitro antifungal activity was demonstrated for all fungal cultures with inhibition halos between 23 to 26 mm. The MIC values were 125, 250, and 125 μg/mL for C. albicans, A. brasilensis, and T. mentagrophytes, respectively. Conclusions. The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Solanum hispidum Pers. contains important secondary metabolites and has moderate antifungical activity.

In-Depth Characterization of Bioactive Extracts from Posidonia oceanica Waste Biomass.

Posidonia oceanica waste biomass has been valorised to produce extracts by means of different methodologies and their bioactive properties have been evaluated. Water-based extracts were produced using ultrasound-assisted and hot water methods and classified according to their ethanol-affinity (E1: ethanol soluble; E2: non-soluble). Moreover, a conventional protocol with organic solvents was applied, yielding E3 extracts. Compositional and structural characterization confirmed that while E1 and E3 extracts were mainly composed of minerals and lipids, respectively, E2 extracts were a mixture of minerals, proteins and carbohydrates. All the extracts showed remarkably high antioxidant capacity, which was not only related to phenolic compounds but also to the presence of proteins and polysaccharides. All E2 and E3 extracts inhibited the growth of several foodborne fungi, while only E3 extracts decreased substantially the infectivity of feline calicivirus and murine norovirus. These results show the potential of P. oceanica waste biomass for the production of bioactive extracts.

Endophytic actinomycetes Streptomyces spp mediated biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles as a promising tool for biotechnological applications.

In this study, two endophytic actinomycetes isolates Oc-5 and Acv-11, were isolated from healthy leaves of medicinal plant Oxalis corniculata L. These isolates were identified as Streptomyces zaomyceticus Oc-5 and Streptomyces pseudogriseolus Acv-11 using 16S rRNA gene sequence. Biomass extract of these strains were used as a greener attempt for synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs). The synthesized NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD)' transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Green synthesized NPs showed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption band at 400 nm, crystalline nature, spherical-shaped with an average size of 78 nm and 80.0 nm for CuO-NPs synthesized using strain Oc-5 and Acv-11, respectively. The bioactivities of CuO-NPs were evaluated. Results revealed that CuO-NPs exhibited promising antimicrobial activity against prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial cells (Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, unicellular and multicellular fungi). In addition, it showed antimicrobial potential against phyto-pathogenic fungal strains Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium ultimum, Aspergillus niger and Alternaria alternata. We further explored the in vitro antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity for biosynthesized CuO-NPs. The results revealed that' scavenging and total antioxidant activity for NPs synthesized using Streptomyces pseudogriseolus Acv-11 was better than those synthesized by Streptomyces zaomyceticus Oc-5. Also, the morphological changes and cell viability for Vero and Caco-2 cell line due to NPs treatments were assessed using MTT assay method. Furthermore, Larvicidal efficacy against Musca domestica and Culex pipiens was evaluated. The results obtained in this study clearly showed that biosynthesized CuO-NPs exhibited effective bioactivity and, therefore, provide a base for the development of versatile biotechnological applications soon.

Inhibition of Fusarium culmorum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Rhizoctonia solani by n-hexane extracts of three plant species as a wood-treated oil fungicide.

AIMS: Wood as a packing tool is used for packaging and transportation of fruits and vegetables for a time period varying from hours to days. During transportation, fruits and vegetables can be affected by moulds with significant postharvest problems. The present study describes the possibility of using wood-treated oil fungicide of n-hexane extracts from Eucalyptus camaldulensis (aerial parts), Vitex agenus-castus (leaves) and Matricaria chamomilla (flowers) against the infestation of Fusarium culmorum, Rhizoctonia solani and Penicillium chrysogenum. METHODS AND RESULTS: Air-dried wood samples of Melia azedarach were prepared with the dimensions of 0·5 × 1 × 2 cm and treated with the oily extracts at the concentrations of 0, 1, 2 and 3%. Oils extracted with n-hexane from E. camaldulensis and V. agenus-castus showed promising antifungal activities against the isolated and molecularly identified three fungi F. culmorum, R. solani and P. chrysogenum, while M. chamomilla observed the lowest activity against the studied fungi. GC/MS analysis of oils reported that the major components in E. camaldulensis were ß-fenchol (25·51%), Cyclobuta[1,2:3,4]dicyclooctene-1,7(2H,6bH)-dione,dodecahydro,(6αß,6ßα,12αα,12ßß)- (17·05), 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) (12·01%) and sabinene (9·45%); in V. agenus-castus were eucalyptol (22·17%), (E)-ß-caryophyllene (18·39%), and ß-sitosterol (12·44%); while in M. chamomilla were bisabolol oxide A (27·87%), (Z)-ß-farnesene (16·11%), D-limonene (14·18%) and chamazulene (11·27%). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest using n-hexane oily extracts from E. camaldulensis and V. agenus-castus as a biofungicide for wood protection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study highlights the importance of using bio-friendly fungicide agents to protect wood against most common moulds occurring during handling of food packaging.

Preparative separation of TL1-1 from Daldinia eschscholzii extract by macroporous resin and evaluation of its antimicrobial activities.

2,3-Dihydro-5-hydroxy-2-methylchromen-4-one (TL1-1) has already been reported to exhibit significant activities such as cytotoxicity, antifungal activity and growth inhibitory activity. In order to simply and efficiently separate TL1-1 from crude extracts of Daldinia eschscholzii on a large-preparative scale, XAD-16 resin was selected from ten types of resin based on its superior adsorption and desorption performance. Adsorption equilibrium data for this resin fitted well with pseudo-first order kinetics and the Freundlich model, which were elucidated from kinetic experiments and adsorption isotherms. Under optimized conditions, the purity of TL1-1 increased from 19.21% (w/w) in the crude extract, to 84.64% (w/w) in the final product, with a recovery yield of 75.06% (w/w) by a one-step treatment. Moreover, in a large-scale separation, the purity and recovery of TL1-1 was 80.33% and 72.02% (w/w), respectively. These results demonstrated that a simple adsorption-desorption strategy, using XAD-16 resin, was efficient, which also highlighted its potential for the future large-scale purification and preparation of TL1-1. In addition, studies showed that the purified TL1-1 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Ralstonia solanacearum.

Antifungal activity, yield, and composition of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil.

Ocimum gratissimum L. or clove basil, belongs to the Lamiaceae family, has various desirable uses and applications. Beyond its aromatic, seasoning, and medicinal applications, this plant also has antimicrobial activity. This study was aimed at assessing the antifungal activity, yield, and composition of the essential oil (EO) of O. gratissimum. The species was cultivated in garden beds with dystrophic red latosol soil type containing high organic-matter content. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation of dried leaves in a modified Clevenger apparatus, followed by determination of its content. Chemical characterization was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Microbial activity was assessed using the broth microdilution method, by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), in order to compare the antimicrobial effect of EO in 10 isolates-Fusarium oxysporum f. sp tracheiphilum (CMM-0033), F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense (CMM-0813 and CMM-2819), F. oxysporum f. sp lycopersici (CMM-1104), F. solani (CMM-3828), Rhizoctonia solani (CMM-3274), and Macrophomina phaseolina (CMM-2715, CMM-3875, CMM-3615, and CMM-3650). The EO was a highly effective inhibitor of the studied phytopathogenic fungi, with MICs varying from 31.25 to 125 µg/mL. F. oxysporum f. sp lycopersici and R. solani were the most sensitive; both were inhibited at an MIC of 31.25 µg/mL. The EO content in the plant extract was 0.18%. Thirty chemical compounds were detected via GC-MS, with linalool (32.9%) being the major compound followed by 1,8-cineole (21.9%), both oxygenated monoterpenes. It can be concluded that clove basil EO is a highly effective antifungal agent, and therefore, a potential alternative for the control of plant pathogenic diseases.

In vitro antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of Eucalyptus spp. leaf extracts related to phenolic composition.

The crude methanolic extracts from leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis L., E. camaldulensis var obtusa and E. gomphocephala grown in Egypt were investigated to explore their chemical composition as well as their antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities. Major phenolics found were ellagic acid, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin 3-O-b-D-glucuronide, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. The antioxidant activities were examined by the 2,2'-diphenypicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ß-Carotene-linoleic acid assays. E. camaldulensis extracts showed the highest phenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared to other cultivars. MIC values reported for antibacterial activity of E. camaldulensis ranged from 0.08 µg/mL (Bacillus cereus) to 0.22 µg/mL (Staphylococcus aureus), while MBC values ranged from 0.16 µg/mL (Dickeya solani and B. cereus) to 0.40 µg/mL (S. aureus). The inhibitory activities against growth of bacteria and fungi used is an indication that E. camaldulensis a might be useful resource for the development and formulation of antibacterial and antifungal drugs.

Molecular Phylogeny, Diversity, and Bioprospecting of Endophytic Fungi Associated with wild Ethnomedicinal North American Plant Echinacea purpurea (Asteraceae).

The endophytic fungal community associated with the ethnomedicinal plant Echinacea purpurea was investigated as well as its potential for providing antifungal compounds against plant pathogenic fungi. A total of 233 endophytic fungal isolates were obtained and classified into 42 different taxa of 16 genera, of which Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum dematium, and Stagonosporopsis sp. 2 are the most frequent colonizers. The extracts of 29 endophytic fungi displayed activities against important phytopathogenic fungi. Eight antifungal extracts were selected for chemical analysis. Forty fatty acids were identified by gas chromatography-flame-ionization detection (GC-FID) analysis. The compounds (-)-5-methylmellein and (-)-(3R)-8-hydroxy-6-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-3,4-dihydroisocoumarin were isolated from Biscogniauxia mediterraneaEPU38CA crude extract. (-)-5-Methylmellein showed weak activity against Phomopsis obscurans, P. viticola, and Fusarium oxysporum, and caused growth stimulation of C. fragariae, C. acutatum, C. gloeosporioides, and Botrytis cinerea. (-)-(3R)-8-Hydroxy-6-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-3,4-dihydroisocoumarin appeared slightly more active in the microtiter environment than 5-methylmellein. Our results indicate that E. purpurea lives symbiotically with different endophytic fungi, which are able to produce bioactive fatty acids and aromatic compounds active against important phytopathogenic fungi. The detection of the different fatty acids and aromatic compounds produced by the endophytic community associated with wild E. purpurea suggests that it may have intrinsic mutualistic resistance against phytopathogen attacks in its natural environment.

Antimicrobial potentials and phytochemical analysis of desert cotton (A. Javanica) and flax (L. Ustitatissimum).

The present study reveals antimicrobial potentials and phytochemical analysis of A. javanica and L. ustitatissimum. Phytochemical analysis indicated that the tested plants contained a substantial amount of flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids while saponins and tannins were absent in L. ustitatissimum, however, tannins were present in A. javanica. L. ustitatissimum contained maximum total phenolic content of 166.36mg/g in methylated spirit fraction while its ethyl acetate fraction contained highest quantity of flavonoids 27.6mg/g in case of Aerva javanica. Antimicrobial potentials of the subject plants revealed that L. ustitatissimum had maximum antibacterial activity (MIC=4.33µg/ml) while A. javanica was most effective against fungal strains (MIC=2.66µg/ml).

Isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of Carissa opaca roots.

Carissa opaca is a shrub known for its variety of medicinal applications. This study reports isolation and identification of four chemical compounds from its roots for the first time. The methanolic extract of the roots was fractionated into various solvents with increasing polarity. Chloroform fraction was subjected to column and thin layer chromatography to ultimately yield 2H-cyclopropanaphthalene-2-one, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethylbenzofuran and 5(1H)-azulenone, 2,4,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,8-dimethyl-4-(1-methylethylidene)-,(8S-cis). They were identified by GC-MS analysis. The compounds exhibited considerable antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger with zones of inhibition ranging from 10 to 13 mm as compared to the standard drug amoxicillin with zones of inhibition 13-17 mm under the similar conditions. In conclusion, the roots of C. opaca can provide new leads for future antimicrobial drugs.

Antimicrobial properties of black grape (Vitis vinifera L.) peel extracts against antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria and toxin producing molds.

AIM: Black grape peel possesses a substantial amount of polyphenolic antimicrobial compounds that can be used for controlling the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to assess antibacterial and antifungal activity of black grape peel extracts against antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria and toxin producing molds, respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peel of grape was subjected to polyphenolic extraction using different solvents viz., water, ethanol, acetone, and methanol. Antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli were screened for the antibacterial activity of different grape extracts. Antibacterial activity was analyzed using agar well diffusion method. Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus versicolor were screened for the antifungal activity. Antifungal activity was determined by counting nongerminated spores in the presence of peel extracts. RESULTS: As compared to other solvent extracts, methanol extracts possessed high antibacterial and antifungal activity. S. typhimurium and E. coli showed complete resistance against antibacterial action at screened concentrations of grape peel extracts. Maximum zone of inhibition was found in case of S. aureus, i.e., 22 mm followed by E. faecalis and E. aerogenes, i.e., 18 and 21 mm, respectively, at 1080 mg tannic acid equivalent (TAE)/ml. The maximum and minimum percent of growth inhibition was shown by P. expansum and A. niger as 73% and 15% at 1080 TAE/ml concentration of grape peel extract, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Except S. typhimurium and E. coli, growth of all bacterial and mold species were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited by all the solvent extracts.

Responsiveness of entomopathogenic fungi to menadione-induced oxidative stress.

Entomopathogenic fungi are predisposed to ROS induced by heat and UV-A radiation when outside the insect host. When inside the host, they are subject to phagocytic cells that generate ROS to eliminate invading pathogens. The oxidative stress tolerance of the entomopathogenic fungi Aschersonia aleyrodis (ARSEF 430 and 10276), Aschersonia placenta (ARSEF 7637), Beauveria bassiana (ARSEF 252), Isaria fumosorosea (ARSEF 3889), Lecanicillium aphanocladii (ARSEF 6433), Metarhizium acridum (ARSEF 324), Metarhizium anisopliae (ARSEF 5749), Metarhizium brunneum (ARSEF 1187 and ARSEF 5626), Metarhizium robertsii (ARSEF 2575), Tolypocladium cylindrosporum (ARSEF 3392), Tolypocladium inflatum (ARSEF 4877), and Simplicillium lanosoniveum (ARSEF 6430 and ARSEF 6651) was studied based on conidial germination on a medium supplemented with menadione. Conidial germination was evaluated 24 h after inoculation on potato dextrose agar (PDA) (control) or PDA supplemented with menadione. The two Aschersonia species (ARSEF 430, 7637, and 10276) were the most susceptible fungi, followed by the two Tolypocladium species (ARSEF 3392 and 4877) and the M. acridum (ARSEF 324). Metarhizium brunneum (ARSEF 5626) and M. anisopliae (ARSEF 5749) were the most tolerant isolates with MIC 0.28 mM. All fungal isolates, except ARSEF 5626 and ARSEF 5749, were not able to germinate at 0.20 mM.

Estimation of antioxidant, antimicrobial activity and brine shrimp toxicity of plants collected from Oymyakon region of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia.

BACKGROUND: Several plants are reported to be produced various biological active compounds. Lichens from the extreme environments such as high altitude, high UV, drought and cold are believed to be synthesized unique types of secondary metabolites than the other one. Several human pathogenic bacteria and fungi have been muted into drug resistant strains. Various synthetic antioxidant compounds have posed carcinogenic effects. This phenomenon needs further research for new effective drugs of natural origin. This manuscript aimed to screen new source of biological active compounds from plants of subarctic origin. RESULTS: A total of 114 plant species, including 80 species of higher plants, 19 species of lichens and 15 species of mosses, were collected from Oymyakon region of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia (63˚20'N, 141˚42'E-63˚15'N, 142˚27'E). Antimicrobial, DPPH free radical scavenging and brine shrimp (Artemia salina) toxicity of all crude extract were evaluated. The obtained result was analyzed and compared with commercial standards. A total of 28 species of higher plants showed very strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50, 0.45-5.0 µg/mL), 13 species showed strong activity (DPPH IC50, 5-10 µg/mL), 22 species showed moderate antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50,10-20 µg/mL) and 17 species showed weak antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 more than 20 µg/mL). Similarly, 3 species of lichen showed strong antioxidant activity, one species showed moderate and 15 species showed weak DPPH reducing activity. In addition, 4 species of mosses showed moderate antioxidant activity and 11 species showed weak antioxidant activity. Similarly, extracts of 51 species of higher plants showed antimicrobial (AM) activity against Staphylococcus aureus and 2 species showed AM activity against Candida albicans. Similarly, 11 species of lichen showed AM activity against S. aureus and 3 species showed AM activity against Escherichia coli. One species of moss showed AM activity against S. aureus. And finally, one species of higher plant Rheum compactum and one species of lichen Flavocetraria cucullata showed the toxicity against Brine shrimp larvae in 100 µg/mL of concentration. CONCLUSION: The experimental results showed that subarctic plant species could be potential sources of various biologically active natural compounds.

Estimation of antioxidant, antimicrobial activity and brine shrimp toxicity of plants collected from Oymyakon region of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia

BACKGROUND: Several plants are reported to be produced various biological active compounds. Lichens from the extreme environments such as high altitude, high UV, drought and cold are believed to be synthesized unique types of secondary metabolites than the other one. Several human pathogenic bacteria and fungi have been muted into drug resistant strains. Various synthetic antioxidant compounds have posed carcinogenic effects. This phenomenon needs further research for new effective drugs of natural origin. This manuscript aimed to screen new source of biological active compounds from plants of subarctic origin. RESULTS: A total of 114 plant species, including 80 species of higher plants, 19 species of lichens and 15 species of mosses, were collected from Oymyakon region of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia (63˚20′N, 141˚42′E - 63˚15′N, 142˚27′E). Antimicrobial, DPPH free radical scavenging and brine shrimp (Artemia salina) toxicity of all crude extract were evaluated. The obtained result was analyzed and compared with commercial standards. A total of 28 species of higher plants showed very strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50, 0.45-5.0 µg/mL), 13 species showed strong activity (DPPH IC50, 5-10 µg/mL), 22 species showed moderate antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50,10-20 µg/mL) and 17 species showed weak antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 more than 20 µg/mL). Similarly, 3 species of lichen showed strong antioxidant activity, one species showed moderate and 15 species showed weak DPPH reducing activity. In addition, 4 species of mosses showed moderate antioxidant activity and 11 species showed weak antioxidant activity. Similarly, extracts of 51 species of higher plants showed antimicrobial (AM) activity against Staphylococcus aureus and 2 species showed AM activity against Candida albicans. Similarly, 11 species of lichen showed AM activity against S. aureus and 3 species showed AM activity against Escherichia coli. One species of moss showed AM activity against S. aureus. And finally, one species of higher plant Rheum compactum and one species of lichen Flavocetraria cucullata showed the toxicity against Brine shrimp larvae in 100 µg/mL of concentration. CONCLUSION: The experimental results showed that subarctic plant species could be potential sources of various biologically active natural compounds.

Antifungal ellagitannin isolated from Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc.

OBJECTIVE: To study antifungal activity of a new ellagitannin isolated from the plant residues of Euphorbia antisyphilitica (E. antisyphilitica) Zucc in the wax extraction process. METHODS: An extract was prepared from dehydrated and pulverized residues and fractionated by liquid chromatography on Amberilte XAD-16, until obtained an ellagitannin-rich ethanolic fraction which was treated by rotaevaporation to recover the ellagitannin as fine powder. An aqueous solution was prepared and treated through ionic exchange liquid chromatography (Q XL) and gel permeation chromatography (G 25). The ellagitannin-rich fraction was thermogravimetrically evaluated (TGA and DTA) to test the thermo-stability of ellagic acid (monomeric unit). Then ellagitannin powder was analyzed by infrared spectrospcopy to determinate the functional groups and, also mass spectroscopy was used to determine the molecular ion. RESULTS: The principal functional groups of ellagitannin were determined, the molecular weight was 860.7 g/mol; and an effective antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the new ellagitannin (860.7 g/mol) isolated from E. antisyphilitica Zucc is an effective antifungal agent against Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxyzporum, Colletotrichum gloeosporoides and Rhizoctnia solani.

In vitro activity of colistin as single agent and in combination with antifungals against filamentous fungi occurring in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Because published reports indicate that the antibiotic colistin (COL) has antifungal properties, this study investigated the antifungal in vitro activity of COL as single agent and in combination with the antifungal compounds voriconazole (VRC), caspofungin (CAS) and amphotericin B (AMB) against Scedosporium/Pseudallescheria spp., Exophiala dermatitidis and Geosmithia argillacea. In total, susceptibility was determined for 77 Scedosporium/Pseudallescheria spp., 82 E. dermatitidis and 17 G. argillacea isolates. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of COL and the antifungals as single compound and in combination were determined with MIC test strips. Drug interactions were detected by crossing the MIC test strips at a 90º angle. The fractional inhibitory concentration index was used to categorise the drugs' interaction. The MIC50 value of COL was 12 µg ml(-1) for S. prolificans, 16 µg ml(-1) for P. apiosperma, 16 µg ml(-1) for P. boydii, 12 µg ml(-1) for E. dermatiditis and 6 µg ml(-1) for G. argillacea. VRC was the most active drug in combination without any antagonism with the exception of few P. boydii isolates. COL as single agent and in most combinations with antifungals exhibits in vitro antifungal activity against filamentous ascomycetes occurring in cystic fibrosis patients and may offer a novel therapeutic option, especially for multidrug-resistant S. prolificans.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oil from Mentha requienii Bentham.

The chemical composition of essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of the fresh aerial parts of Mentha requienii Bentham (Lamiaceae) collected on the Gennargentu Mountains (Sardinia, Italy) has been investigated by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main constituents that resulted were pulegone (78%), menthone (0.5%), isomenthone (18%), isopulegone (1.3%) and limonene (1.76%). In vitro antifungal activity is evaluated in order to identify new means that could be helpful in the prevention of contamination in indoor environments.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of crude plant extracts from Colombian biodiversity

On a global scale, people have used plants to treat diseases and infections, and this has raised interest on the plant biodiversity potencial in the search of antimicrobial principles. In this work, 75 crude n-hexanes, dichloromethane and methanol extracts from the aerial parts of 25 plants belonging to four botanical families (Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae and Solanaceae), collected at the Natural Regional Park Ucumari (Risaralda, Colombia), were evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activities by the agar well diffusion method. The antibacterial activities were assayed against two Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, and three Gram-negative ones named, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, the same plant extracts were tested against the yeast Candida albicans and the fungi Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium solani. Overall, the plant extracts examined displayed better bactericide rather than fungicide activities. In general, the best antibacterial activity was showed by the plant extracts from the Rubiaceae family, followed in order by the extracts from the Euphorbiaceae and Solanaceae ones. It is important to emphasize the great activity displayed by the methanol extract of Alchornea coelophylla (Euphorbiaceae) that inhibited four out of five bacteria tested (B. Subtilis, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and E. coli). Furthermore, the best Minimal Inhibitory Concentration for the extracts with antifungal activities were displayed by the dichloromethane extracts from Acalypha diversifolia and Euphorbia sp (Euphorbiaceae). The most susceptible fungus evaluated was F. Solani since 60% and 20% of the dichloromethane and methanol extracts evaluated inhibited the growth of this phytopathogenic fungus. The antimicrobial activity of the different plant extracts examined in this work could be related to the secondary metabolites contents and their interaction and susceptibility of pathogenic microorganism evaluated.

Alrededor del mundo, la gente ha usado las plantas para tratar enfermedades e infecciones, este potencial ha hecho que se incremente el interés en la biodiversidad vegetal como fuente de principios antimicrobianos. En este trabajo, se evaluaron 75 extractos crudos de n-hexano, diclorometano y metanol, obtenidos a partir de la parte aérea de 25 especies de plantas proveniente de cuatro familias botánicas (Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae y Solanaceae), colectadas en el Parque Regional Natural Ucumari (Risaralda, Colombia); los cuales fueron evaluados por sus actividades antibacteriana y antifúngica a través del método de difusión en pozo. La actividad antibacteriana fue ensayada frente a las bacterias Gram-positivas Staphylococcus aureus y Bacillus subtilis, y las g-negativas Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli y Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Adicionalmente, las mismas plantas fueron evaluadas frente a la levadura Candida albicans y los hongos Aspergillus fumigatus y Fusarium solani. En general, las plantas ensayadas mostraron mejor actividad antibacteriana que antifúngica; donde la familia Rubiaceae fue la que presentó mayor actividad antibacteriana, seguida por las familias Euphorbiaceae y Solanaceae. El extracto metanólico de Alchornea coelophylla (Euphorbiaceae) fue el que presentó mejor actividad antibacteriana al inhibir cuatro de las bacteria ensayadas (B. Subtilis, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus y E. coli); y los extractos de diclorometano de Acalypha diversifolia y Euphorbia sp. (Euphorbiaceae) fueron los que tuvieron la menor Concentración Mínima Inhibitoria en la actividad antifúngica. El hongo evaluado más susceptible fue F. Solani, el cual fue inhibido por el 60% y el 20% de los extractos de diclorometano y metanol, respectivamente. Se considera que la actividad biológica de estos extractos, se relaciona con los metabolitos secundarios que ellos contienen y las diferentes susceptibilidades de los microorganismos patogénicos evaluados.

In vitro antifungal activity of sanguinarine and chelerythrine derivatives against phytopathogenic fungi.

In order to understand the antifungal activity of some derivatives of sanguinarine (S) and chelerythrine (C) and their structure-activity relationships, sixteen derivatives of S and C were prepared and evaluated for in vitro antifungal activity against seven phytopathogenic fungi by the mycelial growth rate method. The results showed that S, C and their 6-alkoxy dihydro derivatives S1-S4, C1-C4 and 6-cyanodihydro derivatives S5, C5 showed significant antifungal activity at 100 µg/mL against all the tested fungi. For most tested fungi, the median effective concentrations of S, S1, C and C1 were in a range of 14-50 µg/mL. The structure-activity relationship showed that the C=N+ moiety was the determinant for the antifungal activity of S and C. S1-S5 and C1-C5 could be considered as the precursors of S and C, respectively. Thus, the present results strongly suggested that S and C or their derivatives S1-S5 and C1-C5 should be considered as good lead compounds or model molecules to develop new anti-phytopathogenic fungal agents. can't login to work station for 2hrs--took 2 hrs vacation