In vitro activity of Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian pepper tree) on Candida tropicalis growth and cell wall formation

• Published in: Acta odontológica latinoamericana Vol. 25; no. 3; pp. 287 - 292
• Main Authors: Alves, Lívia A, Freires, Irlan de A, de Souza, Tricia M P A, de Castro, Ricardo D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Argentina Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Odontológica 2012
• Subjects: Anacardiaceae; Candida tropicalis - drug effects; Candida tropicalis - growth & development; Cell Wall - drug effects; Dentistry; DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Candida tropicalis; Produtos biologicos; Natural products; Anacardiaceae
• ISSN: 0326-4815; 1852-4834

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian pepper tree) tincture on planktonic Candida tropicalis (ATCC 40042), which is a microorganism associated to oral cavity infections. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were determined through the microdilution technique. Possible action of the tincture on fungal cell wall formation was also studied by adding an osmotic protector (0.8M sorbitol) to the microplates. Nystatin was used as standard control and tests were performed in triplicate. S. terebinthifolius was found to have MIC and MFC values of 625 microg/mL on the strain assayed, whereas nystatin showed MIC and MFC of 6.25 microg/mL. Results suggest that S. terebinthifolius tincture acts on fungal cell walls, since the sorbitol test indicated a MIC of 1.250 microg/mL. It may be concluded that S. terebinthifolius has potential in vitro antifungal activity against C. tropicalis strains, and probably acts by inhibiting fungal cell wall formation.