Molecules, Vol. 28, Pages 7775: Azorean Black Tea (Camellia sinensis) Antidermatophytic and Fungicidal Properties

Molecules, Vol. 28, Pages 7775: Azorean Black Tea (Camellia sinensis) Antidermatophytic and Fungicidal Properties Molecules doi: 10.3390/molecules28237775 Authors: Chantal Fernandes José Sousa-Baptista Ana Filipa Lenha-Silva Daniela Calheiros Edmilson Correia Artur Figueirinha Lígia Salgueiro Teresa Gonçalves The treatment of dermatophytoses, the most common human fungal infections, requires new alternatives. The aim of this study was to determine the antidermatophytic activity of the aqueous Azorean Black Tea extract (ABT), together with an approach to the mechanisms of action. The phytochemical analysis of ABT extract was performed by HPLC. The dermatophytes susceptibility was assessed using a broth microdilution assay; potential synergies with terbinafine and griseofulvin were evaluated by the checkerboard assay. The mechanism of action was appraised by the quantification of the fungal cell wall chitin and βß-1,3-glucan, and by membrane ergosterol. The presence of ultrastructural modifications was studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The ABT extract contained organic and phenolic acids, flavonoids, theaflavins and alkaloids. It showed an antidermatophytic effect, with MIC values of 250 µg/mL for Trichophyton mentagrophytes, 125 µg/mL for Trichophyton rubrum and 500 µg/mL for Microsporum canis; at these concentrations, the extract was fungicidal. An additive effect of...
Source: Molecules - Category: Chemistry Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research