Phenolic extracts of Fragaria vesca L. roots with anti-Candida potential: chemical characterization and in vitro antifungal capacity
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resumo
Candida species, considered a commensal microorganism of the human flora, have caused a
profound impact at public health level. Furthermore, there are alarming numbers of
microorganisms with acquired drug resistance, contributing to the inefficacy of antifungal agents
[1]. Thus, efficient alteratives to the current antifungal agents and without side effects need to
be discovered.
Plants comprise numerous bioactive compounds responsible for a wide variety of bioactive
properties. Fragaria vesca L. (wild strawberry), belongs to the Rosaceae family and its fruits are
commonly used for culinary purposes. Only its leaves are used for medicinal purposes, due to
the astringent (hemostatic and antidiarrheal), diuretic, depurative and tonic effects [2]. A few
studies have been carried out in order to evaluate the bioactive potential of its roots [3], but to
the authors knowledge, no reports are available regarding its antifungal potential against
Candida species. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the antifungal potential of
the hydromethanolic extract obtained from F. vesca roots, against nineteen Candida strains,
belonging to C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis species.
At the tested concentration (50 mg/mL), a most pronounced inhibitory effect was observed
against C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis (inhibitory zones varying between 9-10 and 10 mm,
respectively). The obtained results remained similar after 24h, 48h and even 72h. Considering
the evidenced antifungal potential, and taking into account its chemical composition, the
observed effects could be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds, such as flavan-3-
ols, being (epi)catechin derivatives (mainly procyanidins) the main compounds found, as also
elagic acid derivatives. Further studies should be conducted in order to identify the active
principle(s) responsible for the observed effects and the corresponding mechanism of action.
