Conyza canadensis: Green Extraction Method of Bioactive Compounds and Evaluation of Their Antifungal Activity

Author(s)

Rafael S. Porto ^[1] ; Susanne Rath ^[2] ; Sonia C. N. Queiroz ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de Campinas. Instituto de Química. Departamento de Química Analítica - Brasil

^[2] Universidade de Campinas. Instituto de Química. Departamento de Química Analítica - Brasil

^[3] EMBRAPA Meio Ambiente - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society; v. 28, n. 5, p. 913-919, 2017-05-00.

Abstract

Synthetic fungicides are a common treatment for post-harvest diseases in fruits, although demand is increasing for alternatives such as biopesticides. The aim of this work was to investigate the presence of naturally occurring antifungal compounds in Brazilian specimens of the weed Conyza canadensis. Two compounds [(4Z)-lachnophyllum lactone and (4Z,8Z)-matricaria lactone] were isolated and their antifungal activities were evaluated against eight postharvest disease fungi. Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium sp., and Penicillium digitatum proved susceptible to the treatment (minimum inhibitory concentrations varying from 32 to 64 µg mL-1). These fungi are common postharvest pathogens of fruits and vegetables, causing rots and secreting mycotoxins. A green and sustainable extraction method employing pressurized hot water was developed and optimized (100 °C, 4 × 1 min cycles). Yields of 1.46 and 0.24 mg g-1 were obtained for (4Z)-lachnophyllum lactone and (4Z,8Z)-matricaria lactone, respectively. The extract could be applied directly to fruits and vegetables in postharvest treatments. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/09543-7 - Residues of veterinary drugs in the environment
• Grantee: Susanne Rath
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants