Cinnamaldehyde exhibits antifungal activity against clinical isolates
obtained from onychomycosis lesions of patients with HIV / AIDS
Abstract
Onychomycoses are diseases of fungal origin that affect the nail plate
and have high rates of relapse and resistance to conventional
antifungals. In addition to the impact on patient health, skin
infections by fungi influence socioeconomic aspects, which, together
with the resistance of the isolates, favor the development of strategies
for obtaining new compounds with antifungal potential and of less
expensive formulations. Hence, here we evaluated the therapeutic
properties of cinnamaldehyde (CNM) alone and in combination with
conventional antifungals against yeast isolated from infected nails. In
addition, we tested the therapeutic effect of CNM on Tenebrio
molitor larvae infected by Candida. Antifungal activity was
analyzed using the broth microdilution assay and the fractional
combination index (FIC) between CNM and antifungals by the checkerboard
test. Anti-adhesion and antibiofilm activities were evaluated by
colony-forming units counting method. CNM’s antimicrobial activity
revealed MIC values ranged from 19.5 to 156 µg / mL and significantly
reduced Candida’s adherence ability, biofilm formation and
preformed biofilms. At sub-inhibitory concentration CNM was also capable
of reducing Candida hyphae formation. CNM interacted
synergistically with itraconazole (ITL) against C. parapsilosis
and indifferent against Kodamaea ohmeri. Candida-infected
larvae treated with CNM had a higher survival rate than those treated
with ICL or fluconazole showing their high therapeutic potential. This
study showed CNM’s antifungal and antivirulent activities and suggests
the use of the compound, alone or in combination with antimycotics, as
an alternative in the preparation of antifungal formulations.