The Anti-Virulence Effect of Vismia guianensis against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata

Abstract

In folk medicine, <i>Vismia guianensis</i> is used to treat skin diseases and mycoses in the Amazon region. We evaluated the anti-<i>Candida</i> activity of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of <i>Vismia guianensis</i> (EHVG). HPLC-PDA and FIA-ESI-IT-MSⁿ were used to chemically characterize EHVG. The anti-<i>Candida</i> activity was determined in vitro by the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against <i>Candida glabrata</i> (ATCC-2001); <i>Candida albicans</i> (ATCC-90028, ATCC-14053, and ATCC-SC5314), and <i>C. albicans</i> clinical isolates. EHVG effects on adhesion, growth, and biofilm formation were also determined. Molecular docking was used to predict targets for EHVG compounds. The main compounds identified included anthraquinone, vismione D, kaempferol, quercetin, and vitexin. EHVG was fungicidal against all tested strains. <i>C. albicans</i> ATCC 14053 and <i>C. glabrata</i> ATCC 2001 were the most sensitive strains, as the extract inhibited their virulence factors. In silico analysis indicated that vismione D presented the best antifungal activity, since it was the most effective in inhibiting CaCYP51, and may act as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, according to the online PASS prediction. Overall, the data demonstrate that EHVG has an anti-<i>Candida</i> effect by inhibiting virulence factors of the fungi. This activity may be related to its vismione D content, indicating this compound may represent a new perspective for treating diseases caused by <i>Candida</i> sp.