The Mediterranean red alga Asparagopsis taxiformis has antifungal activity against Aspergillus species

Mycoses. 2013 Sep;56(5):516-9. doi: 10.1111/myc.12065. Epub 2013 Feb 26.

Abstract

The red algae Asparagopsis taxiformis collected from the Straits of Messina (Italy) were screened for antifungal activity against Aspergillus species. EUCAST methodology was applied and extracts showed antifungal activity against A. fumigatus, A. terreus and A. flavus. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations observed were <0.15 mg ml(-1) and the highest were >5 mg ml(-1) for Aspergillus spp. tested. Agar diffusion assays confirmed antifungal activity of A. taxiformis extracts in Aspergillus species.

Keywords: Algal extract; Asparagopsis taxiformis; antifungal activity.

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / isolation & purification
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Aspergillus / drug effects*
  • Cell Extracts / isolation & purification
  • Cell Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Mediterranean Sea
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Rhodophyta / chemistry*
  • Seawater / microbiology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Cell Extracts