Activity of propolis from Mexico on the proliferation and virulence factors of Candida albicans.

BACKGROUND: This research evaluated the anti-Candida albicans effect of Mexican propolis from Chihuahua. Chemical composition of the ethanolic extract of propolis was determined by GC-MS, HPLC-DAD, and HPLC-MS. The presence of anthraquinone, aromatic acid, fatty acids, flavonoids, and carbohydrates was revealed. RESULTS: The anti-Candida activity of propolis was determined. The inhibitions halos were between 10.0 to 11.8 mm; 25% minimum inhibitory concentration (0.5 mg/ml) was fungistatic, and 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (1.0 mg/ml) was fungicidal. The effect of propolis on the capability of C. albicans to change its morphology was evaluated. 25% minimum inhibitory concentration inhibited to 50% of germ tube formation. Staining with calcofluor-white and propidium iodide was performed, showing that the propolis affected the integrity of the cell membrane. INT1 gene expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Propolis significantly inhibited the expression of the INT1 gene encodes an adhesin (Int1p). Chihuahua propolis extract inhibited the proliferation of Candida albicans, the development of the germ tube, and the synthesis of adhesin INT1. CONCLUSIONS: Given the properties demonstrated for Chihuahua propolis, we propose that it is a candidate to be considered as an ideal antifungal agent to help treat this infection since it would not have the toxic effects of conventional antifungals.

Antimicrobial activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Prosopis laevigata.

The appearance of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens has highlighted the need to search for new compounds that can effectively combat infectious diseases. A potential source of these compounds are the secondary metabolites of species that have been reported as effective traditional treatments of such diseases. Prosopis laevigata is a medicinal plant, and its chemical constituents have shown potential antimicrobial activity. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Prosopis laevigata against different bacterial and fungal strains of medical and agronomic interest were investigated in vitro. In addition, the chemical composition of this extract was investigated by HPLC-DAD, GC‒MS, and HPLC‒MS. The methanolic leaf extract contained 67 mg of GAE/g of total phenols (6.7%), 2.6 mg of QE/g of flavonoids (0.26%), and 11.87 mg of AE/g of total alkaloids (1.18%). Phenolic acids and catechol were the compounds identified by HPLC-DAD. The methanolic extract had strong antimicrobial activity, especially against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 0.62 mg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC = 0.62 mg/mL), Candida tropicalis (MIC = 0.08 mg/mL) and Fusarium moniliforme (MIC = 4.62 mg/mL). These results suggest that the extract of P. laevigata leaves could be a source of antimicrobial molecules. However, it is necessary to delve into its chemical composition.

Effect of the Essential Oils of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens and Five Pure Compounds on the Mycelium, Spore Production, and Germination of Species of Fusarium.

The genus Fusarium causes many diseases in economically important plants. Synthetic agents are used to control postharvest diseases caused by Fusarium, but the use of these synthetic agents generates several problems, making it necessary to develop new alternative pesticides. Essential oils can be used as a new control strategy. The essential oils of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens have been shown to have potent antifungal activity against Fusarium. However, for the adequate management of diseases, as well as the optimization of the use of essential oils, it is necessary to know how essential oils act on the growth and reproduction of the fungus. In this study, the target of action of the essential oils of B. morelensis and L. graveolens and of the pure compounds present in the essential oils (carvacrol, p-cymene, α-phellandrene, α-pinene, and Υ-terpinene) was determined by evaluating the effect on hyphal morphology, as well as on spore production and germination of three Fusarium species. In this work, carvacrol was found to be the compound that produced the highest inhibition of radial growth. Essential oils and pure compounds caused significant damage to hyphal morphology and affected spore production and germination of Fusarium species.

Essential oils of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens for the development of a new biopesticides in postharvest control.

Fruit and vegetable crops that are not consumed immediately, unlike other agricultural products, require economic and time investments until they reach the final consumers. Synthetic agrochemicals are used to maintain and prolong the storage life of crops and avoid losses caused by phytopathogenic microorganisms. However, the excessive use of synthetic agrochemicals creates health problems and contributes to environmental pollution. To avoid these problems, less toxic and environment-friendly alternatives are sought. One of these alternatives is the application of biopesticides. However, few biopesticides are currently used. In this study, the biopesticide activity of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens essential oils was evaluated. Their antifungal activity has been verified in an in vitro model, and chemical composition has been determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Their antifungal activity was corroborated in vitro, and their activity as biopesticides was subsequently evaluated in a plant model. In addition, the persistence of these essential oils on the surface of the plant model was determined. Results suggest that both essential oils are promising candidates for producing biopesticides. This is the first study showing that B. morelensis and L. graveolens essential oils work by inhibiting mycelial growth and spore germination and are environment-friendly biopesticides.

Jatropha Neopauciflora Pax Latex Exhibits Wound-Healing Effect in Normal and Diabetic Mice.

Jatropha neopauciflora is an endemic species of Mexico. Its latex is used to treat wounds, scarring, oral infections, and loose teeth. To date, there are no studies that validate at a morphological level a wound-healing use in diabetes. The present research aimed to evaluate the wound-healing capacity of the latex of J. neopauciflora in the skin of healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Also, a chemical analysis of the latex through molecular exclusion chromatography and HPLC were performed. Male mice (Mus musculus) of 7-week-old CD1 strain were used. Groups of healthy and diabetic mice were formed. A longitudinal cut of 1 cm was performed on the depilated skin. All treatments were topically applied to the wound area twice a day for ten days. At the end of the experiments, the skin sections were obtained from the wound area and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin. Then we counted the number of active fibroblasts in all the experimental groups. In normal mice, the latex accelerated the wound-healing process and decreased the number of active fibroblasts, similarly to Recoveron. In diabetic mice, the latex and Recoveron increased the number of active fibroblasts. In normal and diabetic mice, a thin and orderly epidermis was observed. Molecular exclusion chromatography exhibited 58 fractions, 14 of which were subjected to HPLC, to detect catechin, a flavonoid with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. J. neopauciflora latex can be useful for wound treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus because it accelerates and promotes the wound-healing process.