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Published on: February 14, 2018
Antifungal Properties of Polycephalomyces nipponicus (Ascomycetes) against Candida albicans: Potential for Novel
Sutthiwan Thammawat1, Winita Fowsantear1, Kusavadee Sangdee2
1Preclinical Group, Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Muang District, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand.
Abstract:
Candida albicans has the potential to turn pathogenic and cause mild to severe infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. Novel therapeutics are required due to its morphological alterations, biofilm development, and resistance to antifungal drugs. Polycephalomyces nipponicus, a traditional East Asian medicinal fungus, has shown potential as an antifungal agent. In this study, 15 P. nipponicus isolates were cultivated and their mycelial extracts were evaluated against C. albicans NCYC854 using agar well diffusion, broth microdilution, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and time-kill assays. Eight isolates exhibited significant antifungal activity, with inhibition zones from 11.25 ± 1.50 mm to 18 ± 0.82 mm, notably Cod-MK1209 surpassing amphotericin B. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) ranged from 125 to 500 μg/mL, with extracts from Cod-MK1206 and Cod-MK1209 showing the lowest MFC at 125 μg/mL. The results of time-kill experiments showed fungistatic effects by drastically lowering viable cell populations at 1ȕ and 2ȕ MIC concentrations within 24 h. The SEM analysis also indicated evidence of degradation to the cellular wall and membrane. These findings highlight the potential of P. nipponicus extracts as powerful antifungal medicines that target C. albicans selectively. Further research efforts have to focus on the identification and description of bioactive components, enhancement of extraction techniques, and advancement towards preclinical and clinical studies to validate their potential for therapeutic use.
Insights
Extracts from the fungus Polycephalomyces nipponicus show significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans. These natural compounds offer a promising new avenue for developing novel antifungal therapeutics to combat drug-resistant infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida albicans poses a significant health threat, causing infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Morphological changes, biofilm formation, and antifungal drug resistance necessitate new therapeutic strategies.
- Polycephalomyces nipponicus, a traditional medicinal fungus, exhibits potential as an antifungal agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of Polycephalomyces nipponicus mycelial extracts against Candida albicans.
- To identify potent isolates and determine their minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations.
- To investigate the mechanism of action using scanning electron microscopy and time-kill assays.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of 15 P. nipponicus isolates.
- Agar well diffusion and broth microdilution assays for antifungal activity.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and time-kill assays to assess cellular damage and kinetics.
Main Results:
- Eight P. nipponicus isolates demonstrated significant antifungal activity against C. albicans.
- Inhibition zones ranged from 11.25 ± 1.50 mm to 18 ± 0.82 mm, with one isolate outperforming amphotericin B.
- Minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) as low as 125 μg/mL were observed, and SEM revealed cell wall/membrane degradation.
Conclusions:
- P. nipponicus extracts possess potent, selective antifungal properties against Candida albicans.
- These findings support the development of P. nipponicus as a source for novel antifungal therapeutics.
- Further research is needed to isolate bioactive compounds and advance to clinical trials.
