Honey Flavonoids, Natural Antifungal Agents AgainstCandida Albicans

Physicochemical Characterization of Moroccan Honey Varieties from the Fez-Meknes Region and Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties

Honey, with its varied and extensive characteristics, is a complex and diverse biological substance that has been used since ancient times. The aim of this study is to thoroughly characterize the physicochemical, phytochemical, and biological properties of four floral honey varieties from the Fez-Meknes region in Morocco, with the goal of promoting the valorization of Moroccan honey in skincare and cosmetic products. The analyses of their physicochemical characteristics encompass various parameters such as pH, acidity, density, water content, Brix index, conductivity, ash content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, and color. The levels of polyphenols range from 22.1 ± 0.4 to 69.3 ± 0.17 mg GAE/100 g of honey, measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method for polyphenol quantification. Additionally, the estimation of flavonoid quantities in 100 g of honey, conducted using the aluminum trichloride method, reveals values ranging from 3.6 ± 0.2 to 7.2 ± 0.6 mg QE. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that honey exhibits high levels of glucose and relatively low concentrations of proteins. The quantitative evaluation of antioxidant effects, carried out through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical-scavenging method and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method, highlights the strong antioxidant capacity of multifloral honey, characterized by low inhibitory concentration values (IC50 = 30.43 mg/mL and EC50 = 16.06 mg/mL). Moreover, all honey varieties demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal properties, with multifloral honey standing out for its particularly pronounced antimicrobial activity. The correlation analyses between phytochemical composition and antioxidant and antibacterial activities reveal an inverse relationship between polyphenols and IC50 (DPPH) and EC50 (FRAP) concentrations of honey. The correlation coefficients are established at R2 = -0.97 and R2 = -0.99, respectively. Additionally, a significant negative correlation is observed between polyphenols, flavonoids, and antifungal power (R2 = -0.95 and R2 = -0.96). In parallel, a marked positive correlation is highlighted between antifungal efficacy, DPPH antioxidant activity (R2 = 0.95), and FRAP (R2 = 0.92). These results underscore the crucial importance of phytochemical components in the beneficial properties of honey, meeting international quality standards. Consequently, honey could serve as a natural alternative to synthetic additives.

Evaluation of the polyphenolic profile of native Ecuadorian stingless bee honeys (Tribe: Meliponini) and their antibiofilm activity on susceptible and multidrug-resistant pathogens: An exploratory analysis

Biofilms are associated with infections that are resistant to conventional therapies, contributing to the antimicrobial resistance crisis. The need for alternative approaches against biofilms is well-known. Although natural products like stingless bee honeys (tribe: Meliponini) constitute an alternative treatment, much is still unknown. Our main goal was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of stingless bee honey samples against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens through biomass assays, fluorescence (cell count and viability), and scanning electron (structural composition) microscopy. We analyzed thirty-five honey samples at 15% (v/v) produced by ten different stingless bee species (Cephalotrigona sp., Melipona sp., M. cramptoni, M. fuscopilosa, M. grandis, M. indecisa, M. mimetica, M. nigrifacies, Scaptotrigona problanca, and Tetragonisca angustula) from five provinces of Ecuador (Tungurahua, Pastaza, El Oro, Los Ríos, and Loja) against 24-h biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis. The present honey set belonged to our previous study, where the samples were collected in 2018-2019 and their physicochemical parameters, chemical composition, mineral elements, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) were screened. However, the polyphenolic profile and their antibiofilm activity on susceptible and multidrug-resistant pathogens were still unknown. According to polyphenolic profile of the honey samples, significant differences were observed according to their geographical origin in terms of the qualitative profiles. The five best honey samples (OR24.1, LR34, LO40, LO48, and LO53) belonging to S. problanca, Melipona sp., and M. indecisa were selected for further analysis due to their high biomass reduction values, identification of the stingless bee specimens, and previously reported physicochemical parameters. This subset of honey samples showed a range of 63-80% biofilm inhibition through biomass assays. Fluorescence microscopy (FM) analysis evidenced statistical log reduction in the cell count of honey-treated samples in all pathogens (P <0.05), except for S. aureus ATCC 25923. Concerning cell viability, C. tropicalis, K. pneumoniae ATCC 33495, and K. pneumoniae KPC significantly decreased (P <0.01) by 21.67, 25.69, and 45.62%, respectively. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated structural biofilm disruption through cell morphological parameters (such as area, size, and form). In relation to their polyphenolic profile, medioresinol was only found in the honey of Loja, while scopoletin, kaempferol, and quercetin were only identified in honey of Los Rios, and dihydrocaffeic and dihydroxyphenylacetic acids were only detected in honey of El Oro. All the five honey samples showed dihydrocoumaroylhexose, luteolin, and kaempferol rutinoside. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study to analyze stingless bees honey-treated biofilms of susceptible and/or MDR strains of S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and Candida species.

Phytochemical profiling of Piper crocatum and its antifungal mechanism action as Lanosterol 14 alpha demethylase CYP51 inhibitor: a review

Mycoses or fungal infections are general health problem that often occurs in healthy and immunocompromised people in the community. The development of resistant strains in Fungi and the incidence of azole antibiotic resistance in the Asia Pacific which reached 83% become a critical problem nowadays. To control fungal infections, substances and extracts isolated from natural resources, especially in the form of plants as the main sources of drug molecules today, are needed. Especially from Piperaceae, which have long been used in India, China, and Korea to treat human ailments in traditional medicine. The purpose of this review is to describe the antifungal mechanism action from Piper crocatum and its phytochemical profiling against lanosterol 14a demethylase CYP51. The methods used to search databases from Google Scholar to find the appropriate databases using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Flow Diagram as a clinical information retrieval method. From 1.150.000 results searched by database, there is 73 final results article to review. The review shows that P. crocatum contains flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, saponins, polyphenols, eugenol, alkaloids, quinones, chavibetol acetate, glycosides, triterpenoids or steroids, hydroxychavikol, phenolics, glucosides, isoprenoids, and non-protein amino acids. Its antifungal mechanisms in fungal cells occur due to ergosterol especially lanosterol 14a demethylase (CYP51) inhibition, which is one of the main target sites for antifungal activity because it functions to maintain the integrity and function of cell membranes in Candida. P. crocatum has an antifungal activity through its phytochemical profiling against fungal by inhibiting the lanosterol 14a demethylase, make damaging cell membranes, fungal growth inhibition, and fungal cell lysis.

Phytochemical profiling of Piper crocatum and its antifungal mechanism action as Lanosterol 14 alpha demethylase CYP51 inhibitor: a review

Mycoses or fungal infections are a general health problem that often occurs in healthy and immunocompromised people in the community. The development of resistant strains in Fungi and the incidence of azole antibiotic resistance in the Asia Pacific which reached 83% become a critical problem nowadays. To control fungal infections, substances and extracts isolated from natural resources, especially in the form of plants as the main sources of drug molecules today, are needed. Especially from Piperaceae, which have long been used in India, China, and Korea to treat human ailments in traditional medicine. The purpose of this review is to describe the antifungal mechanism action from Piper crocatum and its phytochemical profiling against lanosterol 14a demethylase CYP51. The methods used to search databases from Google Scholar to find the appropriate databases using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Flow Diagram as a clinical information retrieval method. From 1.150.000 results searched by database, there is 73 final results article to review. The review shows that P. crocatum contains flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, saponins, polyphenols, eugenol, alkaloids, quinones, chavibetol acetate, glycosides, triterpenoids or steroids, hydroxychavikol, phenolics, glucosides, isoprenoids, and non-protein amino acids. Its antifungal mechanisms in fungal cells occur due to ergosterol, especially lanosterol 14a demethylase (CYP51) inhibition, which is one of the main target sites for antifungal activity because it functions to maintain the integrity and function of cell membranes in Candida. P. crocatum has an antifungal activity through its phytochemical profiling against fungal by inhibiting the lanosterol 14a demethylase, make damaging cell membranes, fungal growth inhibition, and fungal cell lysis.

Phytochemical profiling of Piper crocatum and its antifungal activity as Lanosterol 14 alpha demethylase CYP51 inhibitor: a review

Mycoses or fungal infections are a general health problem that often occurs in healthy and immunocompromised people in the community. The development of resistant strains in Fungi and the incidence of azole antibiotic resistance in the Asia Pacific which reached 83% become a critical problem nowadays. To control fungal infections, substances and extracts isolated from natural resources, especially in the form of plants as the main sources of drug molecules today, are needed. Especially from Piperaceae, which have long been used in India, China, and Korea to treat human ailments in traditional medicine. The purpose of this review was to describe antifungal activity from Piper crocatum and its phytochemical profiling against lanosterol 14 alpha demethylase CYP51. The methods used search databases from Google Scholar to find the appropriate databases using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram as a clinical information retrieval method. From 1,150,000 results search by database, there were 73 selected articles to review. The review shows that P. crocatum contains flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, saponins, polyphenols, eugenol, alkaloids, quinones, chavibetol acetate, glycosides, triterpenoids or steroids, hydroxychavikol, phenolics, glucosides, isoprenoids, and non-protein amino acids. Its antifungal mechanisms in fungal cells occur due to ergosterol especially lanosterol 14 alpha demethylase CYP51 inhibition as a result of 5,6 desaturase (ERG3) downregulation. P. crocatum has an antifungal activity by its phytochemical profiling that act against fungi by inhibiting the fungal cytochrome P 450 pathway, make damaging cell membranes, fungal growth inhibition, morphological changes, and fungal cell lysis.

Bee Products: A Representation of Biodiversity, Sustainability, and Health

Biodiversity strengthens the productivity of any ecosystem (agricultural land, forest, lake, etc.). The loss of biodiversity contributes to food and energy insecurity; increases vulnerability to natural disasters, such as floods or tropical storms; and decreases the quality of both life and health. Wild and managed bees play a key role in maintaining the biodiversity and in the recovery and restoration of degraded habitats. The novelty character of this perspective is to give an updated representation of bee products’ biodiversity, sustainability, and health relationship. The role of bees as bioindicators, their importance in the conservation of biodiversity, their ecosystem services, and the variety of the bee products are described herein. An overview of the main components of bee products, their biological potentials, and health is highlighted and detailed as follows: (i) nutritional value of bee products, (ii) bioactive profile of bee products and the related beneficial properties; (iii) focus on honey and health through a literature quantitative analysis, and (iv) bee products explored through databases. Moreover, as an example of the interconnection between health, biodiversity, and sustainability, a case study, namely the “Cellulose Park”, realized in Rome (Italy), is presented here. This case study highlights how bee activities can be used to assess and track changes in the quality of agricultural ecosystems—hive products could be valid indicators of the quality and health of the surrounding environment, as well as the changes induced by the biotic and abiotic factors that impact the sustainability of agricultural production and biodiversity conservation in peri-urban areas.

Biodirected Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Honey Solutions and Evaluation of Their Antifungal Activity against Pathogenic Candida Spp

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using aqueous honey solutions with a concentration of 2%, 10%, and 20%-AgNPs-H2, AgNPs-H10, and AgNPs-H20. The reaction was conducted at 35 °C and 70 °C. Additionally, nanoparticles obtained with the citrate method (AgNPs-C), while amphotericin B (AmB) and fluconazole were used as controls. The presence and physicochemical properties of AgNPs was affirmed by analyzing the sample with ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The 20% honey solution caused an inhibition of the synthesis of nanoparticles at 35 °C. The antifungal activity of the AgNPs was evaluated using opportunistic human fungal pathogens Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. The antifungal effect was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc diffusion assay. The highest activity in the MIC tests was observed in the AgNPs-H2 variant. AgNPs-H10 and AgNPs-H20 showed no activity or even stimulated fungal growth. The results of the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility test for C. parapsilosis strains indicated stronger antifungal activity of AgNPs-H than fluconazole. The study demonstrated that the antifungal activity of AgNPs is closely related to the concentration of honey used for the synthesis thereof.

Antifungal activity of phytotherapeutic preparation of Baccharis species from argentine Puna against clinically relevant fungi

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

B. boliviensis and B. tola are used in traditional medicine in the Argentine Puna to treat skin and soft tissue infections and inflammatory processes in humans and animals.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the potential of phytotherapeutic preparations of Baccharis species as antifungal agents against clinically relevant fungi and to determine the chemical composition of the extracts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Phytotherapeutic preparations of B. boliviensis and B. tola collected in Argentine Puna were evaluated as an antifungal agent against clinically relevant fungi (yeast, non-dermatophytes, and dermatophytes) isolated of patients from a local Hospital, and reference strains, using macrodilution and microdilution assays. The bioactivity was supported by UHPLC-OT-MS metabolome fingerprinting.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the plant preparations were active against most of evaluated fungal strains; B. boliviensis was more active than B. tola. Dermatophyte fungi strains were the most sensitive isolates. The phytotherapeutic preparation showed Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values between 25 and 400 μg GAE/mL and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) values between 50 and 400 μg GAE/mL. Regarding the phytochemical analysis, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of hydroalcoholic preparation of B. boliviensis were greater than those of the B. tola extract. Both Baccharis species showed similar chromatographic patterns, fifty-two compounds were identified based on UHPLC-OT-MS including several terpenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acids that have been identified in this two endemic South American Baccharis species for the first time. Several identified compounds present antifungal properties, the presence of these compounds support the bioactivity of the Baccharis extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

In this work the traditional use of both Baccharis species as an antimicrobial against commercial products resistant fungal strains was validate, principally against dermatophytes fungi such as T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, M. canis, and M. gypseum. These results indicate that the hydroalcoholic preparations could be used for the treatment of fungal infectious.

Therapeutic Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Different Honeybee Products

Honeybees produce honey, royal jelly, propolis, bee venom, bee pollen, and beeswax, which potentially benefit to humans due to the bioactives in them. Clinical standardization of these products is hindered by chemical variability depending on honeybee and botanical sources, but different molecules have been isolated and pharmacologically characterized. Major honey bioactives include phenolics, methylglyoxal, royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), and oligosaccharides. In royal jelly there are antimicrobial jelleins and royalisin peptides, MRJPs, and hydroxy-decenoic acid derivatives, notably 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuromodulatory, metabolic syndrome preventing, and anti-aging activities. Propolis contains caffeic acid phenethyl ester and artepillin C, specific of Brazilian propolis, with antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Bee venom consists of toxic peptides like pain-inducing melittin, SK channel blocking apamin, and allergenic phospholipase A2. Bee pollen is vitaminic, contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant phenolics, as well as antiatherosclerotic, antidiabetic, and hypoglycemic flavonoids, unsaturated fatty acids, and sterols. Beeswax is widely used in cosmetics and makeup. Given the importance of drug discovery from natural sources, this review is aimed at providing an exhaustive screening of the bioactive compounds detected in honeybee products and of their curative or adverse biological effects.

Phenolic composition and medicinal usage of Psidium guajava Linn.: Antifungal activity or inhibition of virulence?

Psidium guajava is a Myrtaceae plant whose medicinal properties are recognized in several locations. The use of teas and tinctures prepared from their leaves has been used to combat infections caused by fungi of the genus Candida. In this study, aqueous extracts of leaves and hydroethanolic were tested to verify the antifungal potential and its chemical composition has been investigated. The microbiological assays were performed by broth microdilution to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and from these the minimum fungicidal concentration was performed (MFC) by subculturing on solid media. A cell viability curve was obtained for demonstration of inhibition of fungal growth of strains of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Tests to check morphological changes by the action of the extracts were performed in microcultive cameras depleted environment at concentrations of MIC/2, MIC and MIC × 2. Extracts analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography demonstrated flavonoids and phenolic acids. The extracts showed fungistatic effect and no fungicide with MIC >8192 μg/mL, MFC above 8192 μg/mL. The IC50 was calculated ranging from 1803.02 to 5623.41 μg/mL. It has been found that the extracts affect the morphological transition capability, preventing the formation of pseudohyphae and hyphae. Teas and tinctures, therefore, have the potential antifungal, by direct contact, causing inhibition of fungal multiplication and its virulence factor, the cell dimorphism, preventing tissue invasion. Further studies are needed to elucidate the biochemical pathways and genes assets involved in these processes.

Honey flavonoids inhibit Candida albicans morphogenesis by affecting DNA behavior and mitochondrial function

AIM

Candida albicans is a pathogenic yeast, which forms a range of polarized and expanded cell shapes. We aimed to determine the correlation between honey extract (HFE) activity and changes in C. albicans cell cycle, morphology and subcellular organelles.

MATERIALS & METHODS

HFE anticandidal properties were investigated using flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy analyses indicated that HFE may inhibit the growth of the three phenotypes displayed by C. albicans and reduce infection by affecting membrane integrity. HFE affects hyphal transition by reducing the G0/G1 phase and increasing the G2/M phase. Conversely, yeast and pseudohyphae do not appear to be affected. Modifications of vacuolization and mitochondrial activity, during yeast-hypha transition establish the involvement of vacuole and mitochondria.

CONCLUSION

HFE improved mitochondrial functionality and reduced the vacuolization, modifying the branching process associated with virulence. It is hypothesized that HFE induces changes in cell cycle progress, membrane integrity, mitochondrial function and biogenesis.

Molecular Docking and Reaction Kinetic Studies of Chrysin Binding to Serum Albumin

The binding properties of chrysin with serum albumin (SA) were investigated under physiological conditions by calorimetry, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and molecular modeling. Based on the thermodynamic data, molar reaction enthalpy, reaction order ( n) and the rate constant ( k) were calculated. The results of CD spectroscopy showed that chrysin could bind to SA and the conformation of SA did not have any high-ordered structural change. Computational mapping revealed chrysin binding to the subdomain IB in SA. The chrysin-serum albumin complex was stabilized by hydrophobic force and hydrogen bonding and the reaction was a spontaneous process.

Anti-inflammatory activity of a honey flavonoid extract on lipopolysaccharide-activated N13 microglial cells

Neuroinflammation is an important contributor to pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Accumulating evidence indicates that inhibition of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation may become a reliable protective strategy for neurodegenerative processes. Flavonoids, widely distributed in the vegetable kingdom and in foods such as honey, have been suggested as novel therapeutic agents for the reduction of the deleterious effects of neuroinflammation. The present study investigated the potential protective effect of a honey flavonoid extract (HFE) on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated N13 microglia. The results show that HFE significantly inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β. The expressions of iNOS and the production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROS) were also significantly inhibited. Accordingly, the present study demonstrates that HFE is a potent inhibitor of microglial activation and thus a potential preventive-therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases involving neuroinflammation.

Additive potential of ginger starch on antifungal potency of honey against Candida albicans

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the additive action of ginger starch on the antifungal activity of honey against Candida albicans (C. albicans).

METHODS

C. albicans was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of four varieties of Algerian honey. Lower concentrations of honey than the MIC were incubated with a set of concentrations of starch and then added to media to determine the minimum additive inhibitory concentration (MAIC).

RESULTS

The MIC for the four varieties of honey without starch against C. albicans ranged between 38% and 42% (v/v). When starch was incubated with honey and then added to media, a MIC drop was noticed with each variety. MAIC of the four varieties ranged between 32% honey (v/v) with 4% starch and 36% honey (v/v) with 2% starch.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ginger starch allows honey benefit and will constitute an alternative way against the resistance to antifungal agents.