Abstract
BackgroundWe investigated the mechanisms of anti-Candida action of isoquinoline alkaloid berberine, active constituent of medically important plants of Barberry species.MethodsThe effects on membrane, morphological transition, synthesis of ergosterol and the consequent changes in membrane permeability have been studied. Polarization and lipid peroxidation level of the membrane following berberine treatment have been addressed.ResultsMinimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of berberine against C. albicans was 17.75 μg/mL. Cytotoxic effect of berberine was concentration dependent, and in sub-MIC concentrations inhibit morphological transition of C. albicans cells to its filamentous form. Results showed that berberine affects synthesis of membrane ergosterol dose-dependently and induces increased membrane permeability causing loss of intracellular material to the outer space (DNA/protein leakage). Berberine also caused membrane depolarization and lipid peroxidation of membrane constituents indicating its direct effect on the membrane. Moreover, ROS levels were also increased following berberine treatment indicating further the possibility of membrane damage.ConclusionBased on the obtained results it seems that berberine achieves its anti-Candida activity by affecting the cell membrane.
Highlights
We investigated the mechanisms of anti-Candida action of isoquinoline alkaloid berberine, active constituent of medically important plants of Barberry species
In vitro studies showed that berberine has activity against clinical isolates of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 32 to 128 μg/mL [3]
Berberine uptake into C. albicans cells To test the possible accumulation of berberine inside the C. albicans cells we exposed them to berberine at 1⁄2 MIC MIC 2× MIC PC
Summary
We investigated the mechanisms of anti-Candida action of isoquinoline alkaloid berberine, active constituent of medically important plants of Barberry species. Isoquinoline alkaloid berberine is present in root, rhizome and stem bark of medically important plants of Barberry species. It has been traditionally used for many years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as antimicrobial agent [2]. Published studies have reported its antibacterial activity against staphylococcal, streptococcal and enterococcal species, including MDR strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and MRSA. In vitro studies showed that berberine has activity against clinical isolates of MRSA, with MICs ranging from 32 to 128 μg/mL [3].
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