Antifungal activity of α-methyl trans cinnamaldehyde, its ligand and metal complexes: promising growth and ergosterol inhibitors.

Antifungal effectivity and utility of cinnamaldehyde is limited because of its high MIC and skin sensitivity. In this study, α-methyl trans cinnamaldehyde, a less irritating derivative, have been self coupled and complexed with Co(II) and Ni(II) to generate N, N'-Bis (α-methyl trans cinnamadehyde) ethylenediimine [C(22)H(24)N(2)], [Co(C(44)H(48)N(4))Cl(2)] and [Ni(C(44)H(48)N(4))Cl(2)]. Ligand and complexes were characterized on the basis of FTIR, ESI-MS, IR and (1)HNMR techniques. Synthesized ligand [L] and complexes were investigated for their MICs, inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis and H(+) extrusion against three strains of Candida: C. albicans 44829, C. tropicalis 750 and C. krusei 6258. Average of three species MIC of methyl cinnamaldehyde is 317 µg/ml (2168 µM). Compared to methyl cinnamaldehyde ligand [L], Co(II) and Ni(II) complex are found to be 4.48, 17.78 and 21.46 times more effective in liquid medium and 2.73, 8.93 and 10.38 times more effective in solid medium. At their respective MIC(90) average inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis caused by methyl cinnamaldehyde, ligand [L], Co(II) and Ni(II) complex, respectively was 80, 78, 90 and 93%. H(+) extrusion was also significantly inhibited but did not co-relate well with MIC(90). Results indicate ergosterol biosynthesis as site of action of α-methyl cinnamaldehyde, synthesized ligand and complexes. α-methyl cinnamaldehyde and ligand did not show any toxicity against H9c2 rat cardiac myoblast cell, whereas Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes on an average produced 19% cellular toxicity.

Anticandidal activity of cinnamaldehyde, its ligand and Ni(II) complex: effect of increase in ring and side chain.

To increase efficacy of cinnamaldehyde as an antimycotic agent, N, N'- Bis (trans-cinnamadehyde) ethylenediimine [C(20)H(20)N(2)] and Ni(II) complex of the type [Ni(C(40)H(40)N(4))Cl(2)] have been synthesized. The ligand [P] and Ni(II) complex have been characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, FTIR, ESI- MS, IR, (1)H NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques, conductivity and magnetic measurements. MIC of cinnamaldehyde against clinical isolate of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis was 400 microg/ml and 500 microg/ml, respectively. Synthesized ligand has markedly reduced MIC; 200 microg/ml and 300 microg/ml whereas Ni(II) complex of ligand displayed MIC of 90 microg/ml and 120 microg/ml. Growth and sensitivity of the organisms were effected by ligand & complex at significantly reduced concentration. Plasma membrane ATPase activity and ergosterol content have been investigated as site of action. Result obtained indicates ergosterol biosynthesis pathway as site of action of cinnamaldehyde, synthesized ligand and its Ni(II) complex.