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[Antifungal activity of sulfonated shale oils]
H Listemann1, A Schölermann, W Meigel
1Dermatologische Abteilung, Allgemeines Krankenhaus St. Georg, Hamburg.
Arzneimittel-Forschung
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Sulfonated shale oils show potent antifungal activity against various fungi. Lighter fractions (85-150°C) exhibit superior efficacy, even increasing with prolonged exposure to Candida albicans.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Microbiology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Context:
- Bituminous shale, a marine sediment derivative, yields shale oil, which is processed into sulfonated shale oils (Ichthyol) for medicinal use.
- Previous research indicated antifungal properties of sulfonated shale oils.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the in vitro antifungal efficacy of different fractions of sulfonated shale oils.
- To determine minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and sub-inhibitory concentrations.
- To assess the impact of exposure duration on antifungal activity.
Summary:
- An in vitro CO2 detection method assessed fungal sensitivity to sulfonated shale oils.
- Fractions refined at 150-210°C (Ichthyol, dark) were fungicidal at 0.2-16.8% for yeasts, dermatophytes, and hyphomycetes.
- Fractions refined at 85-150°C (Ichthyol, light) demonstrated higher antifungal activity (0.1-5.9%) against all tested fungi, with enhanced fungicidal effects on Candida albicans after extended exposure.
Impact:
- Identifies specific fractions of sulfonated shale oils with significant fungicidal properties.
- Highlights the superior antifungal potential of lighter shale oil fractions.
- Suggests further investigation into the complex chemical composition for identifying active antifungal compounds.