Saponins of Trifolium spp. aerial parts as modulators of Candida albicans virulence attributes.

Aleksandra Budzyńska,Łukasz Pecio,Marzena Więckowska-Szakiel,Beata Sadowska,Anna Stochmal,Dariusz Jędrejek,Bartłomiej Micota,Barbara Różalska

doi:10.3390/molecules190710601

Aleksandra Budzyńska, Łukasz Pecio + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules190710601

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Abstract

The aim was to provide the insight into the biology of C. albicans influenced by undescribed yet properties of saponin-rich (80%–98%) fractions (SAPFs), isolated from extracts of Trifolium alexandrinum, T. incarnatum, T. resupinatum var. resupinatum aerial parts. Their concentrations below 0.5 mg/mL were arbitrarily considered as subMICs for C. albicans ATCC 10231 and were further used. SAPFs affected yeast enzymatic activity, lowered tolerance to the oxidative stress, to the osmotic stress and to the action of the cell wall disrupting agent. In their presence, germ tubes formation was significantly and irreversibly inhibited, as well as Candida invasive capacity. The evaluation of SAPFs interactions with anti-mycotics showed synergistic activity, mainly with azoles. Fluconazole MIC was lowered—susceptible C. albicans ATCC 10231 was more susceptible, and resistant C. glabrata (clinical strain) become more susceptible (eightfold). Moreover, the tested samples showed no hemolytic activity and at the concentrations up to 0.5 mg/mL did not reduce viability of fibroblasts L929. This study provided the original evidence that SAPFs of Trifolium spp. aerial part exhibit significant antimicrobial activity, by reduce the expression/quantity of important Candida virulence factors and have good potential for the development of novel antifungal products supporting classic drugs.

Highlights

The modern approach on the use of plant secondary metabolites for combating human and animal pathogens involve clarifying the mechanisms and targets of their activity, forming the basis for more effective and safe use
We report results of experiments providing the insight into the biology of C. albicans influenced by the action of saponin fractions prepared from the aerial part extracts of selected species of Trifolium L. genus—one of the largest genera in the Fabaceae family
Research into new treatment options effective in combating infections involves a search for substances with different types of activity

Summary

Introduction

The modern approach on the use of plant secondary metabolites for combating human and animal pathogens involve clarifying the mechanisms and targets of their activity, forming the basis for more effective and safe use. C. albicans is a yeast that resides as commensals in the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract, incidence of symptomatic infections increases significantly. C. albicans during infection is crucial for the development of new antifungal therapies, diagnostics and prophylaxis [1,2,3]. Clovers are used mainly as a fodder and pasture crops but they gain interest due to the content of secondary metabolites, in particular saponins and flavonoids. They are popular food additives or diet supplements and find application in pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries [4]

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