LC-MS Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Turnera subulata Sm

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Pharmacognosy
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Invasive candidiasis, caused by Candida species, presents a global health challenge with high mortality rates.
• The emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida strains necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
• Natural products, like Turnera subulata, offer potential alternatives to conventional antifungal drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antifungal activity of Turnera subulata leaf extract against pathogenic Candida species.
• To investigate the chemical composition of Turnera subulata extract.
• To assess the extract's effect on fungal growth and dimorphism.

Main Methods:

• Broth microdilution technique was employed to test the ethanol extract of Turnera subulata leaves.
• Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for chemical compound identification.
• Standard strains of Candida albicans, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis were utilized.

Main Results:

• LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of carboxylic acids, terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids in the T. subulata extract.
• The extract did not inhibit the growth of tested Candida strains at clinically relevant concentrations.
• At higher concentrations, the extract demonstrated inhibition of fungal dimorphism in Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis.

Conclusions:

• Turnera subulata extract may possess potential in inhibiting fungal virulence factors without impacting cell viability.
• Further research is warranted to explore the extract's inhibitory effects on other fungal virulence mechanisms.
• The findings suggest a potential role for T. subulata in managing Candida infections by targeting virulence, not growth.