Inhibitory Effect of Cratoxylum formosum Gum on Candida glabrata and Its α-mangostin Content

Abstract

© 2016 Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences. Candida glabrata is the most common fungal species isolated in patients with severe mucosal inflammation. The high resistance to traditional antifungal therapies makes this species a growing concern in clinical settings. Cratoxylum formosum is a plant widely distributed in mountainous area of Asian countries. This study aims to examine antifungal activity of C.formosum gum against C.glabrata and its α-mangostin content. Inhibition of fungal growth was primarily tested by agar diffusion. Broth dilution method was then used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The α-mangostin content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Inhibitory effect of the gum was seen against C.glabrata (clinical isolate and ATCC22019) with zones of inhibition ranging from 14.3 to 10.2 mm. MIC value against C. glabrata ATCC22019 and the clinical isolate was 1.25 mg/mL. By HPLC, the α-mangostin content of C.formosum gum was determined as 4.08% (w/w). In conclusion, the anticandidal activity of C.formosum gum suggests that this plant may be a useful source for the development of a novel antifungal agent against candidal infection. Further in vitro/in vivo studies should be conducted to understand the mechanisms of action and to establish the safe profile of this gum for clinical usage.