title: Influence of tannins from Stryphnodendron adstringens on growth and virulence factors of Candida albicans.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The main objective of this work was to investigate the antifungal activity of a crude extract, fractions and subfractions from Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville, known as 'barbatimão'.
  
  
  METHODS
  The growth inhibition by 'barbatimão' of 103 isolates of yeasts from vaginal fluid was determined using the broth microdilution method. In addition, the effect of the most active subfraction on cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), germ-tube formation, budding, ultrastructure and phagocytosis of Candida albicans was analysed. Fluconazole and nystatin were used as reference drugs. The cytotoxicity of 'barbatimão' to Vero cells, macrophages and red blood cells was assessed. The most active subfraction was characterized by mass and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Subfraction F2.4 had the best antifungal action at concentrations above 7.80 mg/L. Its action was similar to nystatin, and only slightly less effective than fluconazole. CSH and the capacity for adhering to Vero cells and a glass surface were lower in treated yeasts. In addition, the inhibition of formation of the germ tube, the increase in the number of buds and changes in the cell wall ultrastructure of C. albicans were also demonstrated. 'Barbatimão' extracts showed low cytotoxicity to Vero cells, macrophages and red blood cells. Subfraction F2.4 is composed of proanthocyanidin polymers of prodelphinidin and prorobinetinidin units and gallic acid of molecular weight 2114 Da.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The antifungal action of subfraction F2.4 on C. albicans can be attributed to condensed tannins. It is considered moderate antifungal activity. These properties of 'barbatimão' on the growth of C. albicans, putative virulence factors and its low cytotoxicity justify further studies to investigate the mechanisms of action and the possible development of a new antifungal agent.
authors.affiliation: Mestranda do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790, 87020-900, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ishida
authors.forename: João Carlos Palazzo
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: de Mello
authors.forename: Diógenes Aparício Garcia
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Cortez
authors.forename: Benedito Prado Dias
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Filho
authors.forename: Tânia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ueda-Nakamura
authors.forename: Celso Vataru
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Nakamura
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D007887:Fabaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D013634:Tannins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology; D014709:Vero Cells; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D013634:Tannins; D037521:Virulence Factors