Nanoremediation and Antioxidant Potential of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Leucena's Leaves, Stem, and Fruits.

Synthetic dyes are persistent organic environmental pollutants that can cause extensive damage to living beings and to the ecosystem as a whole. Cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient strategies to deal with this type of pollution are necessary as it commonly resists conventional water treatment methods. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using the aqueous extract from the leaves, stem, and fruits of Leucaena leucocephala (Leucena) were produced and characterized through UV-vis, TEM, EDS, SDL, XPS, XRD, and zeta potential, and they proved to be able to promote adsorption to remediate methylene blue and tartrazine pollution in water. The nanoremediation was performed and did not require direct exposure to sunlight or any special lamp or a specific reduction agent. The AgNPs produced using the extract from the leaves exhibited the best performance in nanoremediation and also presented antioxidant activity that surpassed the one from butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Consequently, it is an interesting nanotool to use in dye nanoremediation and/or as an antioxidant nanostructure.

Characterisation of bioactive compounds from leaves of Smilax fluminensis Steud. by gc-MS and LC-DAD-MS, and analysis of its antioxidant and ecotoxicological activities.

Smilax fluminensis Steud. is distributed in Central and South America, commonly named as 'salsaparilha' or 'japicanga'. In the present work, the chemical composition was determined, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects were evaluated for the ethanol extract (EE) and fractions from leaves. Fatty acid esters and phytol were characterised in the hexane (HEX) fraction. O-glycosylated flavonols and flavones, caffeic acid derivatives, and steroidal saponins were annotated for EE, and dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (AC), and hydroethanol (HE) fractions. The samples contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds, and the AC fraction displayed the biggest concentration of these substances. Antioxidant potential was observed in all samples, being especially pronounced in the AC fraction by DPPH and FRAP assays, with IC50 values of 8.18 and 2.35 µg/mL, respectively. AC and HEX fractions showed 35% and 5% lethality at 1000 µg/mL, in the Artemia salina assay, and the other samples did not show a toxic effect.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity of fatty acids methyl esters from Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos (Bignoniaceae) seeds.

Handroanthus impetiginosus, popularly known as "ipê-roxo", is used in folk medicine to treat skin inflammations, infections, stomach diseases, and cancer. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) obtained from the esterification reaction of fatty acids (FA) found in the hexane extract (HE) of seeds of H. impetiginosus were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the HE and FAMEs were evaluated. Methyl palmitate, methyl linoleate, methyl oleate, and methyl stearate were the major FAMEs obtained from the HE. The samples, especially the HE, exhibited a significant antioxidant potential analyzed by ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) assay. In the A. salina larvae bioassay, the HE showed no cytotoxic effects, but the FAMEs exhibited a high toxicity. This study reported, for the first time, the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the HE and FAMEs obtained from H. impetiginosus seeds.

Chemical profile, antioxidant potential and toxicity of Smilax brasiliensis Sprengel (Smilacaceae) stems.

Smilax brasiliensis Sprengel is a monocotyledon of the Smilacaceae family, native to the Brazilian Cerrado, popularly known as "salsaparrilha" or "japecanga". In this study, the ethanol extract (EE) and the hexane (HEXF), dichloromethane (DCMF), ethyl acetate (ACF), and hydroethanol (HEF) fractions of the stems were obtained. The chemical composition was determined, the contents of phenolic compounds and flavonoids were quantified, and the antioxidant potential and the cytotoxic effect on Artemia salina were evaluated. Fatty acid esters, hydrocarbons, and phytosterols were identified in the HEXF analyzed by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The EE and DCMF, ACF, and HEF were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and mass spectrometer (LC-DAD-MS), and the identified constituents included glycosylated (rutin, 3-O-ß-galactopyranosyl quercetin, 3-O-ß-glucopyranosyl quercetin, O-deoxyhexosyl-hexosyl quercetin, O-deoxyhexosyl-hexosyl kaempferol, O-deoxyhexosyl-hexosyl O-methyl quercetin, and others), and non-glycosylated (quercetin) flavonoids, phenylpropanoids (3-O-E-caffeoyl quinic acid, 5-O-E-caffeoyl quinic acid, O-caffeoyl shikimic acid, and others), neolignan, steroidal saponin (dioscin), and N-feruloyltyramine. The EE, DCMF, and ACF showed high total contents of phenolic compounds (112.99, 175.71, and 524.02 µg of GAE/mg, respectively), and in the ACF and DCMF a great content of flavonoids was also quantified (50.08 and 31.49 µg of QE/mg, respectively). The EE, DCMF, ACF, and HEF exhibited great antioxidant potential by DPPH (IC50 1.71 - 32.83 µg/mL) and FRAP (IC50 0.63 - 6,71 µg/mL) assays. A maximum cytotoxic activity on A. salina of 60% was observed for the DCMF (LC50 = 856.17 µg/mL). This study contributes to the phytochemical study of S. brasiliensis since these compounds were identified for the first time in the stems of this species. The S. brasiliensis stems demonstrated to be a rich source of polyphenols compounds and exhibited high antioxidant potential without toxicity. Thus, extract and fractions obtained from the S. brasiliensis stems can be used in food supplements or as natural antioxidants in the food industry.

Larvicidal activity of hexane extract, fatty acids, and methyl esters from Tecoma stans pericarps against Culex quinquefasciatus.

Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) is responsible for the transmission of lymphatic filariasis. The search for natural sources of new insecticides to control mosquitoes has intensified in recent years. Tecoma stans is an exotic species in Brazil, known as 'ipê de jardim'. T. stans pericarps were extracted with hexane in Soxhlet apparatus, and fatty acids (FA) and methyl esters (FAME) were obtained by transesterification reaction of hexane extract (HE). HE, FA, and FAME were evaluated against 3rd. and 4th. instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) identified the hydrocarbon nonacosane (81.69%) as the major compound in HE, and linolenic (16.89%), linoleic (16.83%), and palmitic acids (21.00%) were predominant in FA. FA and HE, at a concentration of 250 µg/mL, promoted mortality of 81.67% and 68.66% of larvae, respectively. HE and FA obtained from T. stans pericarps have larvicidal potential for the control of C. quinquefasciatus.

Flavonoid-Rich Fractions of Bauhinia holophylla Leaves Inhibit Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Hyphae Growth.

This study evaluated the effect of the extract and fractions of Bauhinia holophylla on Candida albicans planktonic growth, biofilm formation, mature biofilm, and hyphae growth. Three C. albicans strains (SC5314, ATCC 18804, and ATCC 10231) were tested. The crude extract and the fractions were obtained by exhaustive percolation and liquid-liquid partition, respectively. Phytochemical analyses of B. holophylla extract and fractions were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). A microdilution assay was used to evaluate the effect of the B. holophylla extract and fractions on C. albicans planktonic growth, and crystal violet staining was used to measure the total biomass of the biofilm. Hyphae growth was analyzed using light microscopy. Thirteen flavonoids were identified, with a predominance of the flavonol-3-O-glycoside type based on quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol. Flavonoid-rich fractions of B. holophylla leaves displayed antifungal activity and inhibited both biofilm formation and hyphae growth in all the tested strains, but were not effective on C. albicans planktonic growth and mature biofilm. This study indicates that flavonoid-rich fractions from B. holophylla leaves interfere with the virulence of Candida species and support the use of Bauhinia spp. in folk medicine to treat infections.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of fractions from ripe fruits of Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. (Solanaceae) and putative identification of bioactive compounds by GC-MS and LC-DAD-MS.

Brazilian biodiversity includes species of the genus Solanum that have several biological activities, in addition to their relevance to agriculture, economics and popular medicine. The ripe fruits of Solanum lycocapum are an important nutritional food source, since they have levels of vitamin C, total soluble sugars, sucrose, phosphorus, and iron comparable or exceed the levels present in fruits such as pineapples, bananas, oranges, and mangoes. The pulp of the fruit is consumed by the population, and it is also used to produce jellies; to make marmalade, replacing the quince, and it can also be mixed with peaches in the preparation of peach. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of fractions obtained from the ripe fruits and to identify the constituents with these biological properties. The ripe fruits were collected, dried, crushed, and subjected to extraction by exhaustive percolation, obtaining an ethanol extract that was partitioned with solvents of increasing polarities, obtaining hexane (HEX), ethyl acetate (AC), and hydroethanol (HE) fractions. The AC fraction showed higher antioxidant potential compared to BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) and similar activity to AA (ascorbic acid) by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical assay, while HEX and HE fractions exhibited of IC50 values similar to BHT. The AC fraction also presented similar activity to BHT by FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) test. Intraperitoneal treatment with HEX (100 and 300 mg/kg) and HE (100 mg/kg) fractions caused significant inhibition of paw edema induced by carrageenan, 4 and 6 h after the inflammatory stimuli. When analyzed by GC-MS, fatty acids, phytosterols, and triterpenoid were identified in the HEX fraction, whilst 31 compounds were annotated in the AC and HE fractions analyzed by LC-DAD-MS, being phenylpropanoid derivatives, chlorogenic acids, and steroidal glycoalkaloids. The ripe fruits of S. lycocarpum have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and the detected chemical compounds, especially caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, spermidine, stigmasterol, and ß-sitosterol, may be correlated with these activities. The ripe fruits of this species can be a food alternative rich in bioactive compounds and with benefits for human health.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Solanum lycocarpum St. -Hil (Solanaceae) on the cell cycle of Lactuca sativa and Allium cepa / Efeito citotóxicos e genotóxicos de extratos Solanum lycocarpum St. -Hil (Solanaceae) no ciclo celular de Lactuca sativa e Allium cepa

Solanum lycocarpum St.- Hil popularly known as 'fruta-de-lobo' or 'lobeira' is native to the Brazilian Cerrado, and used in folk medicine due to its phytotherapic properties. The action of S. lycocarpum on the cell cycle and chromosomes in order to demonstrate whether there are aneugenic and/or clastogenic effects is unknown. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of methanol and hexane extracts of S. lycocarpum on growth and cell cycle of Lactuca sativa and Allium cepa. Roots from both species were exposed for 72 hours to methanol and hexane extracts with 50, 100, and 200 µg mL-1 of S. lycocarpum. Slides were prepared by the squash technique and then analyzed to determine the mitotic index and the total of chromosomal and nuclear abnormalities. The frequencies of chromosomal and nuclear abnormalities were high and significant with a dose-dependent effect, indicating that S. lycocarpum has a cytotoxic and genotoxic action depending on the dose used on meristem cells of A. cepa and L. sativa.

Solanum lycocarpum St.-Hil (Solanaceae) conhecida popularmente como fruta-de-lobo ou lobeira é uma planta nativa do Cerrado brasileiro, utilizada na medicina popular nos tratamentos de diabetes, obesidade e redução do colesterol. Ainda não é conhecida a ação de S. lycocarpum sobre o ciclo celular e os cromossomos, demonstrando se possuem efeitos aneugênicos e/ou clastogênicos. O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar o potencial citotóxico e genotóxico dos extratos metanólico e hexânico de S. lycocarpum sob o crescimento e ciclo celular de Lactuca sativa e Allium cepa. As raízes de ambas as espécies foram expostas por 72h aos extratos metanólico e hexânico com 50, 100 e 200 µg mL-1 de S. lycocarpum. As lâminas foram montadas pela técnica de esmagamento e em seguida foram analisadas, afim de determinar o índice mitótico e anormalidades cromossômicas e nucleares. As frequências de anormalidades cromossômicas e nucleares foram altas e significativas, com efeito dose-dependente e confirmando que S. lycocarpum tem ação citotóxica e genotóxica de acordo com a dose utilizada sobre as células meristemáticas de A. cepa e L. sativa.

Efeito da administração oral de extrato etanólico de Rosmarinus officinalis L. (alecrim) no desenvolvimento do Tumor Sólido de Ehrlich / Effect of oral administration of the ethanol extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (alecrim) in the development of Ehrlich Solid Tumor

objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da administração oral diária de extrato etanólico de R.officinalis no desenvolvimento do Tumor Sólido de Ehrlich. Camundongos Swiss foram separados em três grupos A, B e C (n=6). Os animais do grupo A (controle) ingeriram solução salina durante todo o experimento. Os animais do grupo B, a partir do 1º dia, receberam diariamente, por gavagem, uma dose de 100 mg/kg do extrato etanólico de R.officinalis. Os animais do grupo C iniciaram, no 21º dia, a ingestão diária desse extrato. No 21º dia, todos os camundongos foram inoculados subcutaneamente no coxim plantar esquerdo com 2 x 106 células do Tumor de Ehrlich. No 42º dia, os animais foram sacrificados e suas patas foram removidas para análise histopatológica. Os resultados obtidos, através da mensuração da espessura das patas, mostraram que o grupo controle e os grupos que receberam o extrato, apresentaram o mesmo crescimento tumoral. Nas análises histopatológicas, não foram observadas diferenças na morfologia das células tumorais entre os grupos. A administração oral diária de 100 mg/kg de extrato etanólico de Rosmarinus officinalis não afetou o potencial proliferativo de tumor. Outras concentrações do extrato etanólico de Rosmarinus officinalis serão estudadas em experimentos futuros.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily oral administration of ethanol extract of R.officinalis in the development of Ehrlich solid tumor. Swiss mice were divided into three groups A, B and C (n = 6). The animals of group A (control) received saline throughout the experiment. The animals of group B, from day 1, received daily by gavage, a dose of 100 mg/kg of R.officinalis ethanol extract. The animals of group C, on day 21, began the daily intake of this extract. At day 21, all mice were inoculated with 2 x 106 Ehrlich tumor cells in the left footpad. On day 42, the animals were sacrificed; their footpads were measured and removed for histopathological analysis. The results showed that the control group and the groups receiving the extract, before and after tumor inoculation, presented the same tumor growth. Furthermore, the histopathological analysis showed no differences in the morphology of tumor cells between groups. The daily oral administration of 100 mg/kg ethanol extract of Rosmarinus officinalis did not affect the proliferative potential of tumor. Other concentrations this ethanol extract times will be studied in future experiments.(AU)

Larvicidal activity of oils, fatty acids, and methyl esters from ripe and unripe fruit of Solanum lycocarpum (Solanaceae) against the vector Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

INTRODUCTION: The larvicidal activity of oils, fatty acids, and methyl esters of Solanum lycocarpum fruit against Culex quinquefasciatus is unknown. METHODS: The larvicidal activity of samples of ripe and unripe fruit from S. lycocarpum was evaluated against third and fourth instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus . RESULTS: The oils, fatty acids, and methyl esters of S. lycocarpum showed the greatest larvicidal effect (57.1-95.0%) at a concentration of 100mg/L (LC 50values between 0.70 and 27.54mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: Solanum lycocarpum fruit may be a good source of new natural products with larvicidal activity.

Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of the Leaves of Solanum lycocarpum A. St. Hil. (Solanaceae).

Ethanol extract and fractions obtained from leaves of Solanum lycocarpum were examined in order to determine their phenolic composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic potential. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with DAD analysis indicated that the flavonoids apigenin and kaempferol were the main phenolic compounds present in dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions, respectively. The antioxidant activity was significantly more pronounced for dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and hydroethanol fractions than that of the commercial antioxidant 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. The hexane and dichloromethane fractions were more active against the tested bacteria. The hydroethanol fraction exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity at the dose of 75 and 150 mg/kg in the later phase of inflammation. However, the antiedematogenic effect of the higher dose of the ethyl acetate fraction (150 mg/kg) was more pronounced. The ethyl acetate fraction also presented a less cytotoxic effect than the ethanol extract and other fractions. These activities found in S. lycocarpum leaves can be attributed, at least in part, to the presence of phenolic constituents such as flavonoids. This work provided the knowledge of phenolic composition in the extract and fractions and the antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of leaves of S. lycocarpum.

Antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic potential of the ripe fruits of Solanum lycocarpum A. St. Hil. (Solanaceae).

Ethanol extract (EE) and fractions obtained from the ripe fruits of Solanum lycocarpum were examined in order to determine their phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, antibacterial activities and cytotoxic potential. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with DAD analysis indicated that caffeic and chlorogenic acids were the main phenolic compounds present in the EE, dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (Ac) fractions. The antioxidant activity assessed by the scavenging ability on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical was significantly more pronounced for DCM and Ac fractions than that of the commercial antioxidant 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT). EE and fractions exhibited selective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, especially the hexane (Hex) and DCM fractions. EE and fractions exhibited low toxicity towards the LLC-MK2 cell line, especially the Hex, DCM and Ac fractions. This work provides the knowledge of phenolic composition in the extract and fractions from the ripe fruits of S. lycocarpum and their antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic activities.

Larvicidal activity of the methanol extract and fractions of the green fruits of Solanum lycocarpum (Solanaceae) against the vector Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

INTRODUCTION: The larvicidal activity of Solanum lycocarpum against Culex quinquefasciatus is unknown. METHODS: We evaluated the larvicidal activity of extracts of the green fruits of Solanum lycocarpum against third and fourth instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus. RESULTS: Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions showed the greatest larvicidal effect at 200mg/L (83.3% and 86.7%, respectively). The methanol and dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and hydromethanolic fractions demonstrated larvicidal effects against C. quinquefasciatus, with LC50 values of 126.24, 75.13, 83.15, and 207.05 mg/L, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, when considering new drugs with larvicidal activity from natural products, S. lycocarpum fruits may be good candidate sources.

In vitro antifungal activities of leaf extracts of Lippia alba (Verbenaceae) against clinically important yeast species.

INTRODUCTION: There are few studies reporting the antifungal activities of Lippia alba extracts. METHODS: A broth microdilution assay was used to evaluate the antifungal effects of Lippia alba extracts against seven yeast species of Candida and Cryptococcus. The butanol fraction was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The butanol fraction showed the highest activity against Candida glabrata. The fraction also acted synergistically with itraconazole and fluconazole against C. glabrata. The dominant compounds in the butanol fraction were 2,2,5-trimethyl-3,4-hexanedione, 3,5-dimethyl-4-octanone and hexadecane. CONCLUSIONS: The butanol fraction may be a good candidate in the search for new drugs from natural products with antifungal activity.

Antioxidant and antifungal activities of Smilax campestris Griseb. (Smilacaceae).

Ethanol extract and fractions obtained from aerial parts of Smilax campestris were examined in order to determine their phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and antifungal activities. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with DAD analysis indicated that quercetin and rutin were the main phenolic compounds present in butanol fraction and ethanol extract, respectively. The antioxidant activity assessed by the scavenging ability on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical was significantly more pronounced for the ethanol extract and butanol fraction than that of the commercial antioxidant 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. The antifungal activity of extract and fractions was investigated by using microdilution method against five Candida and two Cryptococcus yeast strains. Ethanol extract and fractions exhibited antifungal activities against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and Cryptococcus gattii. This work provides the knowledge of profile and content of flavonoids and their antioxidant and antifungal activities in the extract and fractions of aerial parts of S. campestris.

The antimicrobial activity of lapachol and its thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives.

Lapachol was chemically modified to obtain its thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives. These compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity against several bacteria and fungi by the broth microdilution method. The thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives of lapachol exhibited antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.05 and 0.10 µmol/mL, respectively. The thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives were also active against the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus gattii (MICs of 0.10 and 0.20 µmol/mL, respectively). In addition, the lapachol thiosemicarbazone derivative was active against 11 clinical isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, with MICs ranging from 0.01-0.10 µmol/mL. The lapachol-derived thiosemicarbazone was not cytotoxic to normal cells at the concentrations that were active against fungi and bacteria. We synthesised, for the first time, thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives of lapachol. The MICs for the lapachol-derived thiosemicarbazone against S. aureus, E. faecalis, C. gattii and several isolates of P. brasiliensis indicated that this compound has the potential to be developed into novel drugs to treat infections caused these microbes.

The antimicrobial activity of lapachol and its thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives

Lapachol was chemically modified to obtain its thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives. These compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity against several bacteria and fungi by the broth microdilution method. The thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives of lapachol exhibited antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.05 and 0.10 µmol/mL, respectively. The thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives were also active against the pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus gattii (MICs of 0.10 and 0.20 µmol/mL, respectively). In addition, the lapachol thiosemicarbazone derivative was active against 11 clinical isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, with MICs ranging from 0.01-0.10 µmol/mL. The lapachol-derived thiosemicarbazone was not cytotoxic to normal cells at the concentrations that were active against fungi and bacteria. We synthesised, for the first time, thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone derivatives of lapachol. The MICs for the lapachol-derived thiosemicarbazone against S. aureus, E. faecalis, C. gattii and several isolates of P. brasiliensis indicated that this compound has the potential to be developed into novel drugs to treat infections caused these microbes.

In vitro antifungal activity of fatty acid methyl esters of the seeds of Annona cornifolia A.St.-Hil. (Annonaceae) against pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis / Atividade antifúngica in vitro dos ésteres metílicos de ácidos graxos das sementes de Annona cornifolia A.St.-Hil. (Annonaceae) sobre o fungo patogênico Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

INTRODUCTION: Fatty acids are abundant in vegetable oils. They are known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. METHODS: Antifungal susceptibility was evaluated by broth microdilution assay following CLSI (formerly the NCCLS) guidelines against 16 fungal strains of clinical interest. RESULTS: In this work, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) was able to inhibit 12 clinical strains of the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and were also active in the bioautographic assay against Cladosporium sphaerospermum. CONCLUSIONS: FAME was a more potent antifungal than trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole against P. brasiliensis under the experimental conditions tested.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os ácidos graxos são abundantes em óleos vegetais. Eles são conhecidos por suas propriedades antibacterianas e antifúngicas. MÉTODOS: A suscetibilidade a antifúngicos foi avaliada pelo ensaio de microdiluição em caldo de acordo com CLSI (anteriormente NCCLS) sobre 16 isolados de interesse clínico. RESULTADOS: Nesse trabalho, os ésteres metílicos de ácidos graxos (FAME) inibiram doze isolados clínicos do fungo patogênico Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, e também foi muito ativo no ensaio de bioautografia sobre o fungo Cladosporium sphaerospermum. CONCLUSÕES: FAME foi um antifúngico mais potente do que sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim contra P. brasiliensis, nas condições utilizadas no presente trabalho.

In vitro antifungal activity of fatty acid methyl esters of the seeds of Annona cornifolia A.St.-Hil. (Annonaceae) against pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

INTRODUCTION: Fatty acids are abundant in vegetable oils. They are known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. METHODS: Antifungal susceptibility was evaluated by broth microdilution assay following CLSI (formerly the NCCLS) guidelines against 16 fungal strains of clinical interest. RESULTS: In this work, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) was able to inhibit 12 clinical strains of the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and were also active in the bioautographic assay against Cladosporium sphaerospermum. CONCLUSIONS: FAME was a more potent antifungal than trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole against P. brasiliensis under the experimental conditions tested.