Investigating the Chemical, Antifungal, and Cytotoxic Properties of Cochlospermum vitifolium Leaves and Stem Bark Extracts.

Comprehensive analysis of the chemical properties and bioactivities of plant extracts is essential for identifying compounds with therapeutic potential. This study analyzed hydroethanolic extracts from the leaves and stem bark of Cochlospermum vitifolium, investigating their chemical composition, antifungal, and cytotoxic activity. UHPLC-MS/MS, GC-MS and bioinformatic tools techniques were employed to characterize the chemical profiles. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assays, cytotoxicity assessed in L929 fibroblasts and MC3T3 osteoblast-like cells, and antifungal activity was evaluated against Candida spp. The leaf extract exhibited higher total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity in both radical-scavenging, and antifungal activity, reaching a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.95 µg/mL against Candida albicans. None of the extracts showed cytotoxicity. PCA, chord diagram, and volcano plot indicated clear differences between the chemical profiles of the leaves and stem bark and supported the association between these metabolites and the observed antifungal activity. Finally, in vitro antifungal tests were performed for the first time with C. vitifolium, showing promising results against Candida spp. species, suggesting a safe alternative as an antifungal agent.