Activity of extracts and isolated compounds Trichilia catigua against clinically relevant candida species.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of extracts and compounds from Trichilia catigua against clinically relevant Candida species, notably Candida glabrata, and investigate possible mechanisms of action using electron microscopy and in silico techniques.

METHODS

Extracts and fractions of T. catigua were obtained through turboextraction and partitioning, while the isolated compounds were previously purified. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) was characterized by HPLC. Antifungal activity against C. glabrata was evaluated through MIC tests, synergism was assessed via checkerboard assays, and structural changes were analyzed via electron microscopy. Molecular docking was performed to identify potential targets of action.

RESULTS

The EAF and isolated compounds (cinchonains and procyanidin B2) exhibited significant activity against C. glabrata, with MICs of 9.76 µg/mL (EAF) and 3.9 µg/mL (cinchonains Ia and Ib). Cinchonain Ib combined with epicatechin or procyanidin B2 displayed synergistic effects, particularly with amphotericin B. Microscopy analysis revealed cell membrane damage, and reverse docking analysis suggested that the compounds may target an enzyme essential to the metabolic processes of C. glabrata.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that compounds isolated from T. catigua hold considerable potential for developing new antifungal agents against Candida species, particularly C. glabrata, with promising safety and synergistic profiles.