Violacein and its antifungal activity: comments and potentialities

Lett Appl Microbiol. 2022 Oct;75(4):796-803. doi: 10.1111/lam.13760. Epub 2022 Jun 22.

Abstract

Violacein is an important natural antimicrobial pigment that is mainly produced by Chromobacterium violaceum and Janthinobacterium lividum. It presents a significant range of effects against phytopathogenic and human fungi, besides being featured as having low toxicity, and by its important ecological role in protecting amphibian species and applications in dyed medical fabric. The hypothesis about violacein's action mechanisms against mucormycosis (Rhizopus arrhizus) and candidiasis (Candida auris) is herein discussed based on data available in the scientific literature.

Keywords: Chromobacterium violaceum; Janthinobacterium lividum; antifungal drug; antimicrobial pigment; fungal resistance; violacein.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents*
  • Antifungal Agents* / pharmacology
  • Chromobacterium
  • Fungi
  • Humans
  • Indoles

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Indoles
  • violacein