In vitro activity of Schinus terebinthifolius extract and fractions against Sporothrix brasiliensis

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Sporothrix brasiliensis is the causative agent of zoonotic cases of sporotrichosis in Brazil and is associated with atypical and severe presentations in cats, dogs, and humans. Sporotrichosis treatment is usually time- and cost-consuming, sometimes with poor response and host toxicity. Schinus terebinthifolius has proven efficacy against bacteria and fungi of clinical interest. OBJECTIVE To determine the in vitro activity of S. terebinthifolius against S. brasiliensis. METHODS Five S. brasiliensis isolates and three reference strains were subjected to a hydroethanol extract derived from the leaves of S. terebinthifolius and its fractions. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth microdilution method according to the M38-A2 CLSI guidelines. Also, the fungicidal/fungistatic activity of the extract and fractions was studied. FINDINGS The crude extract of S. terebinthifolius inhibited the growth of S. brasiliensis (MIC: 0.5-1.0 µg/mL), while the partitioned extracts dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and butanol demonstrated growth inhibition at 8 µg/mL due to a fungistatic activity. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Due to its in vitro efficacy against S. brasiliensis and its known pharmacological safety, S. terebinthifolius is a candidate to be tested using in vivo models of sporotrichosis.