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Antifungal activity of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf oleoresin against dermatophytes

Danielle C Zimmermam-Franco1, Edilene B Bolutari, Hudson C Polonini

  • 1Pesquisa e Inovação em Ciências da Saúde (NUPICS), Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG 36036-900, Brazil. nadiafox@gmail.com.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Copaiba oleoresin demonstrated antifungal activity against dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. Further in vivo studies are recommended to explore its therapeutic potential for fungal skin infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Dermatophytoses are common fungal infections affecting keratinized tissues in humans and animals.
  • Current treatments for dermatophytoses can have limitations, driving the search for novel antifungal agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of oleoresin from Copaifera langsdorffii against key dermatophyte strains.
  • To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the oleoresin.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro susceptibility testing of copaiba oleoresin against Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton rubrum.
  • Determination of MIC and MFC values, with ketoconazole and terbinafine used as comparators.
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to visualize fungal structural changes upon exposure to the oleoresin.

Main Results:

  • Copaiba oleoresin exhibited moderate fungicidal activity against T. mentagrophytes (MIC/MFC = 170 μg/mL) and weak activity against T. rubrum (MIC = 1,360 μg/mL, MFC = 2,720 μg/mL).
  • No significant antifungal activity was observed against M. canis and M. gypseum.
  • SEM revealed physical damage and morphological alterations in fungal hyphae exposed to the oleoresin.

Conclusions:

  • Copaiba oleoresin possesses in vitro antifungal properties against specific dermatophyte species.
  • The observed morphological changes suggest a direct impact of the oleoresin on fungal structures.
  • Results support further investigation, including in vivo studies, for potential use in treating dermatophytoses.

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