Glycyrrhiza glabra L. as a promisor candidacidal in biofilms and planktonic cells: comparison between phenolic extract and isolated compounds
Conference Paper
Overview
Overview
abstract
Opportunistic fungal infections, particularly involving Candida species (candidiasis) have become a serious problem
of public health. Current antifungal agents have been loosing the effectiveness, in part due to their overuse, and
appearance of resistant Candida species. Plants have been used over years and recommended by natural physicians for
multitude of health conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-Candida potential of a hydromethanolic
extract of rhizomes and roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice), in planktonic cells and biofi lms, as well as to
compare its effect with individual phenolic compounds identifi ed in the extract.
Licorice extract evidenced an antifungal activity against all of the nineteen tested Candida strains, including C. albicans,
C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis species. The inhibition zones varied between 10-13 mm; MIC and
MFC values varied, between 0.375-1.5 and 0.75-3 mg/mL for planktonic cells and biofi lms, respectively. Considering
the pronounced antifungal activity, a chemical characterization of the extract was conducted, and the main phenolic
compounds identifi ed were tested. Flavones (mainly apigenin derivatives), fl avanones (mainly liquiritin derivatives),
an isofl avone and a chalcone, were the most abundant compounds. However, these compounds were not active neither
individually nor combined. Thus, probably synergistic effects among all components in the phenolic pool and/or other
compounds present in the extract should be responsible for the observed antifungal activity.
Detailed in vivo studies should be performed, not only to evaluate the actual effects in a complete organism, but also
the safety of the preparation and bioavailability in systemic infection models.
