Effect of usnic acid on Candida orthopsilosis and C. parapsilosis

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2012 Jan;56(1):595-7. doi: 10.1128/AAC.05348-11. Epub 2011 Oct 17.

Abstract

The activity of usnic acid against Candida orthopsilosis and Candida parapsilosis on planktonic and biofilm conditions was investigated by using a broth microdilution and microplate methods. Potent in vitro activities against different Candida species were obtained. The metabolic activity of sessile cells of C. parapsilosis complex was reduced by 80% at four times the 80% inhibitory concentration. The in vitro studies support further efforts to determine whether usnic acid can be used clinically to cure patients with Candida infections.

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Benzofurans / pharmacology*
  • Biofilms / drug effects
  • Biofilms / growth & development
  • Candida / drug effects*
  • Candida / growth & development
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy*
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Plankton / drug effects
  • Plankton / growth & development

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Benzofurans
  • usnic acid