In vitro studies of anticandidal activity of goniothalamin enantiomers.

AIMS: The antifungal activity of (R)-goniothalamin (1) and (S)-goniothalamin (ent-1) was evaluated against six Candida species. The in vitro effect of these compounds on yeast adhesion to human buccal epithelial cells (BEC) and Candida albicans and C. dubliniensis biofilms progression were also investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Yeast susceptibility was evaluated by broth microdilution assay and showed that ent-1 exhibited higher potency against all fungal clinical isolated when compared to compound 1. Compounds 1 and ent-1 were as potent as fluconazole in inhibiting the adhesion of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis to BEC. XTT-reducing assay and scanning electron microscopy revealed that 1 and ent-1 were twice as potent as fluconazole in the inhibition of yeast biofilms progression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that compounds 1 and ent-1 are potent anticandidal agents. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study highlights goniothalamin enantiomers as promising lead compounds for the design of new antifungal with inhibitory activity on yeast adhesion and biofilm progression.