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Effects of Pycnoporellus fulgens (Fr.) Donk crude extract on Candida glabrata ultrastructure
J Moulin-Traffort1, M D Steinmetz, J P Rascol
1Laboratoire de Botanique, Cryptogamie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
Among antifungal products of natural origin, Pycnoporellus fulgens (Fr) Donk, is active against pathogenic yeasts. Our study was carried out to observe the ultrastructural modifications produced by P. fulgens crude extract on Candida glabrata. Yeasts were submitted to different concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400 micrograms ml-1) for 72 h under constant stirring at 35 degrees C. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the extract acted on the cell envelope (cell wall and plasmalemma). Cell divisions were also affected by thickening of the septum (50 micrograms ml-1) and a deficiency in the daughter cell wall texture. The extent of the antifungal effect clearly depended on the extract concentration.
Insights
Pycnoporellus fulgens crude extract shows antifungal activity against Candida glabrata. The extract damages yeast cell envelopes and affects cell division, with effects increasing with concentration.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Natural products are a source of antifungal agents.
- Pycnoporellus fulgens (Fr) Donk is a fungus known for potential antifungal properties.
- Candida glabrata is a pathogenic yeast causing infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural effects of Pycnoporellus fulgens crude extract on Candida glabrata.
- To determine the impact of varying extract concentrations on yeast cell morphology.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of Candida glabrata with P. fulgens crude extract at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/mL for 72 hours.
- Analysis of yeast ultrastructure using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
Main Results:
- The P. fulgens extract induced significant ultrastructural modifications in Candida glabrata.
- Observed effects included damage to the cell envelope (cell wall and plasmalemma).
- Abnormal cell division was noted, with septum thickening and daughter cell wall defects, particularly at 50 µg/mL.
Conclusions:
- Pycnoporellus fulgens crude extract possesses antifungal activity against Candida glabrata.
- The extract targets the cell envelope and interferes with cell division processes.
- The antifungal efficacy is dose-dependent, with higher concentrations yielding more pronounced effects.