Investigation of the antifungal activity of caledonixanthone E and other xanthones against Aspergillus fumigatus

Planta Med. 2004 Jun;70(6):569-71. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-827161.

Abstract

Among the different xanthones previously isolated from the stem bark of Calophyllum caledonicum, caledonixanthone E presented the strongest activity (MIC (80) = 8 microg/mL) in acidic conditions (pH 3) against the human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Phase-contrast microscopy studies suggested the assembly or synthesis of cell wall components as the target of the drug. Moreover, the use of fluorescent lectins further supported an impact of caledonixanthone E on the synthesis of chitin, the major structural polysaccharide of the fungal wall. These results suggest that caledonixanthone E may be an interesting model for the design of new antifungal drugs.

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillus / drug effects
  • Aspergillus fumigatus*
  • Candida albicans / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Xanthones / administration & dosage
  • Xanthones / pharmacology*
  • Xanthones / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Xanthones
  • caledonixanthone E