Abstract
Moringa oleifera seeds contain a water-soluble lectin (WSMoL) that exerts antimicrobial effects against bacteria and Candida yeasts. In this study, we evaluated the activity of WSMoL against Cryptococcus neoformans (B3501 and H99) and Cryptococcus gattii (R265). Antifungal activity was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells exposed to lectin were assessed using the fluorescent probe rhodamine 123. Moreover, the effect of WSMoL on the lysosomal membrane integrity was assessed via acridine orange staining. WSMoL exhibited an MIC of 6.25 µg/mL for all strains but did not exhibit any fungicidal activity. WSMoL caused lysosomal damage in C. neoformans B3501 and C. gattii R265 cells and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential in C. neoformans B3501. Additionally, at concentrations of 25–400 µg/mL, WSMoL inhibited biofilm formation by C. neoformans B3501, the only isolate capable of producing biofilms. In conclusion, WSMoL exhibits antifungal activity, causing lysosomal and mitochondrial damage and inhibiting growth and biofilm formation in Cryptococcus yeasts.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
