In vitro antifungal activity of organic compounds derived from amino alcohols against onychomycosis

Abstract Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail caused by high densities of filamentous fungi and yeasts. Treatment for this illness is long-term, and recurrences are frequently detected. This study evaluated in vitro antifungal activities of 12 organic compounds derived from amino alcohols against standard fungal strains, such as Trichophyton rubrum CCT 5507 URM 1666, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 11481, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The antifungal compounds were synthesized from p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4a-4f) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (9a-9f). Minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum fungicidal concentrations were determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols M38-A2, M27-A3, and M27-S4. The amine series 4b-4e, mainly 4c and 4e compounds, were effective against filamentous fungi and yeast (MIC from 7.8 to 312 µg/mL). On the other hand, the amide series (9a-9f) did not present inhibitory effect against fungi, except amide 9c, which demonstrated activity only against C. albicans. This allowed us to infer that the presence of amine group and intermediate carbon number (8C-11C) in its aliphatic side chain seems to be important for antifungal activity. Although these compounds present cytotoxic activity on macrophages J774, our results suggest that these aromatic compounds might constitute potential as leader molecules in the development of more effective and less toxic analogs that could have considerable implications for future therapies of onychomycosis.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oil from Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. (carqueja-amarga) / Aceite esencial de Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. (carqueja-amarga): actividad antimicrobiana

Introduction: the recent enhancement of interest in green consumerism has given rise to a renewed scientific awareness towards essential oils. Essential oil from Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. (B. trimera) (Asteraceae) is cited as one of the ten most consumed oils by the cosmetic and other industries in Brazil. Objective: to investigate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the leaves of B. trimera against Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 13315, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 7468 and Corynebacterium xerosis IAL105, which are the main bacteria responsible for bad perspiration odor. Methods: the gas chromatography (GC) analysis was performed and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated by means of the turbidimetric method, using a microdilution assay. Results: ywenty constituents were identified, being that ß-pinene (23.4 percent) was the major compound found. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the essential oil ranged from 500 µg/mL to 1,000 µg/mL. A detrimental effect of the essential oil was observed on the morphology of cell membranes of the bacteria studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Conclusions: the results demonstrate the essential oil of B. trimera has potential in the application of antimicrobial agents in personal care products(AU)

Introducción: el reciente aumento del interés por el consumo verde ha dado lugar a una renovada conciencia científica hacia a los aceites esenciales. El aceite esencial de Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. (B. trimera) (Asteraceae) es considerado uno de los diez aceites más consumidos por la industria cosmética del Brasil. Objetivos: valorar la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de hojas de B. trimera frente al Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 13315, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 7468 y Corynebacterium xerosis IAL105, que son las principales bacterias responsables del mal olor que es consecuencia de la transpiración. Métodos: se realizó la cromatografía de gases (GG) y la actividad antimicrobiana fué valorada por el método turbidimétrico, usando el ensayo de microdilución. Resultados: se identificarón veinte constituyentes, siendo el ß-pineno (23,4 por ciento) el principal compuesto encontrado. Los valores de la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) del aceite esencial variaron de 500 µg/mL a 1,000 µg/mL. Se observó un efecto perjudicial del aceite esencial en la morfología de las membranas celulares de las bacterias estudiadas por microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM). Conclusión: los resultados demuestran que el aceite esencial de B. trimera tiene potencial en la aplicación de los agentes antimicrobianos en productos de higiene personal(AU)