Antifungal activity of Caryocar brasiliensis (Caryocaraceae) against Cryptococcus neoformans

Abstract

The widespread occurrence of cryptococcosis mainly in immunocompromised patients and the side effects of available drugs which are effective against this mycosis have led investigators to search for new antimycotic agents. Caryocar brasiliensis derived compounds were investigated against Cryptococcus neoformans using the agar dilution method. Based on MIC values, the best results were obtained with a concentration of < 250µg/mL of cuticular waxes of the Caryocar brasiliensis leaf collected during the dry period (170.8mm of precipitation) which inhibited the growth of 91.3% (21/23) Cryptococcus neoformans isolates.

Caryocar brasiliensis; Cerrado plant; Cryptococcus neoformans; Antifungal activity