Chemical characterization and in vitro evaluation of the antifungal activity of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. extracts against Candida spp. and their potential mechanisms of action.

The increase in antifungal resistance requires finding alternatives to combat fungal infections, particularly those caused by species of the Candida genus. Caryocar spp., known as pequi, is a plant used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. We analyzed the chemical composition and evaluated the activity of three extracts of C. coriaceum Wittm. against Candida spp. strains in both their planktonic and biofilm forms, and investigated their possible mechanisms of action. The results demonstrated antifungal activity of the leaf extracts against Candida spp. strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 512 μg/mL, although with limited effect on biofilms. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography analysis identified four main classes of compounds: flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins, carboxylic acids, and hydroxy acids. Mechanistic analysis indicated the generation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial depolarization, DNA damage, and reduced cell density due to the induction of apoptosis. The extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity toward human lymphocytes. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed when the extracts were combined with amphotericin B, revealing a potentially synergistic association against Candida infections.