Inhibition of Candida albicans extracellular enzyme activity by selected natural substances and their application in Candida infection

Can J Microbiol. 2008 Jun;54(6):435-40. doi: 10.1139/w08-029.

Abstract

Extracellular enzymes secreted by Candida albicans are claimed to be virulence factors responsible for penetration of the yeast into host cells. Substances able to inhibit lipolytic and proteinase activities of the fungus might be of therapeutic use in some pathologic conditions caused by C. albicans. In the present work, we have tested the influence of the flavonoid compounds apigenin and kaempferol, the indole alkaloid ibogaine, and the protoberberine alkaloid berberine on the in vitro enzyme activity of C. albicans. The substances showed complex suppressive effects concerning the processes of adherence to epithelial cells, secreted aspartyl proteinase activity, and the rate of cell wall protein glycosylation. Apigenin and kaempferol were administered in systemic C. albicans infection, demonstrating an increased number of survivors by kaempferol. The application of apigenin, kaempferol, ibogaine, and berberine in cutaneous infection suppressed the symptoms and accelerated elimination of the yeast from the site of inoculation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Candida albicans / drug effects*
  • Candida albicans / enzymology*
  • Candida albicans / metabolism
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy*
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • Cell Adhesion / drug effects
  • Cell Wall / drug effects
  • Cell Wall / metabolism
  • Extracellular Space / enzymology*
  • Female
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology
  • Fungal Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • HT29 Cells
  • Humans
  • Lipase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Lipase / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Flavonoids
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Lipase
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases