Evaluation of mechanisms of activity of Buchenavia tomentosa phenol enriched fraction and gallic acid on Candida albicans

Abstract

Searching for new therapeutic alternatives for oral candidosis is of utmost importance. In previous studies of this group, the antifungal activity on Candida albicans of Buchenavia tomentosa aqueous extract and some of its major components (in particular gallic acid) was described. Moreover, the in vivo effectiveness in the prevention of C. albicans invasivity prevention in an experimental prosthetic model was observed. Thus, the understanding of the mechanism of action of these substances on C. albicans is extremely important. This study will evaluate the mechanism of action of the phenol enriched fraction of B. tomentosa leaves and gallic acid on C. albicans. The enriched fraction will be previously prepared and the gallic acid will be obtained commercially. Fraction will be chemically characterized by ESI-MS. Values of minimal inhibitory and fungicide concentrations will be determined, as well as the death curve. Based on these data, the effects of the substances on the cellular morphology (scanning electron microscopy), cell wall (assay of sorbitol protection and morphology analysis), integrity of cellular membrane (analysis of cellular content loss) and membrane ergosterol biosynthesis (quantification) will be evaluated in relation to control. Data will be evaluated by descriptive statistics and normal distribution analysis. Based on these preliminary analyses, suitable comparison statistical tests will be selected. Level of significance will be 5%.