Antifungal activity of 3,3'-dimethoxycurcumin (DMC) against dermatophytes and Candida species

Author(s)

Pattini, Veridianna Camilo ; Polaquini, Carlos Roberto ; Lemes, Thiago Henrique ; Brizzotti-Mazuchi, Natalia Seron ; de Cassia Orlandi Sardi, Janaina ; Paziani, Mario Henrique ; von Zeska Kress, Marcia Regina ; de Almeida, Margarete Tereza Gottardo ; Regasini, Luis Octavio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology; v. 77, n. 3, p. 8-pg., 2024-03-20.

Abstract

Dermatomycosis is an infection with global impacts caused especially by dermatophytes and Candida species. Current antifungal therapies involve drugs that face fungal resistance barriers. This clinical context emphasizes the need to discover new antifungal agents. Herein, the antifungal potential of 10 curcumin analogs was evaluated against four Candida and four dermatophyte species. The most active compound, 3,3'-dimethoxycurcumin, exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 1.9-62.5 to 15.6-62.5 mu g ml-1 against dermatophytes and Candida species, respectively. According to the checkerboard method, the association between DMC and terbinafine demonstrated a synergistic effect against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum. Ergosterol binding test indicated DMC forms a complex with ergosterol of Candida albicans, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis. However, results from the sorbitol protection assay indicated that DMC had no effect on the cell walls of Candida species. The in vivo toxicity, using Galleria mellonella larvae, indicated no toxic effect of DMC. Altogether, curcumin analog DMC was a promising antifungal agent with a promising ability to act against Candida and dermatophyte species. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/15083-2 - Synthesis and biological evaluation of isobavachalcone (IBC) and analogs as potential agents against tuberculosis
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