Antimycotic Activity of Conifer Green Needle Complex against Clinical Strains of Candida Species

Abstract

Resistance of some Candida species to antimycotic agents is a public health threat, with new treatments a priority. Conifer Green Needle Complex (CGNC) is a pharmaceutical-grade complex substance from the green verdure of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies. Characterization of the chemical composition of CGNC (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/HPLC) showed resin acids (ca 20 %w/w), unsaponafiables, primarily terpenoid alcohols (ca 22% w/w), higher fatty acids (ca 10% w/w), bound acids (ca 11% w/w) and polyprenols (ca 2.5% w/w). Other significant components include phytosterols, carotenoids, chlorophyll derivatives, vitamin E acetate and vitamin K1. CGNC has high antioxidant activity. Preliminary results for antimycotic activity against clinical strains of Candida albicans, С. glabrata and C. krusei showed some Candida spp. were sensitive to CGNC, including fluconazole-and ketoconazole-resistant strains. Antimycotic activity of CGNC should be investigated in larger studies.

Antibacterial Activity of Conifer Green Needle Complex Against Corynebacteria

“…The preparation of CGNC has been previously described. 35 CGNC is a dark green, almost black, slightly alkaline (pH 8-9), viscous, aqueous-based paste comprising several hundred components. CGNC (as provided by Prenolica Limited, formerly Solagran Limited) is available in Australia, where it is approved by the TGA for use as a therapeutically active ingredient in listed oral and topical medicines.…”

“…CGNC contains chlorophyll derivatives, carotenoids, vitamins A, E, and K, phytosterols, polyphenols, squalene, sodium salts of fatty and resin acids, and essential oils including natural antibiotics (phytoncides). 35 A component of CGNC, diterpene resin acids, has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial, antimycotic, 19,36,37 and antitrichomonal activities. 38,39 CGNC is a strong antioxidant 35 with antimicrobial properties, and it suppresses Helicobacter pylori in vitro and in vivo, [40][41][42][43] Candida spp.…”

Anti-protozoal Activity of Conifer Green Needle Complex against Trichomonas vaginalis

“…The preparation of Conifer Green Needle Complex (CGNC) has been previously described [19]. CGNC is a dark-green, almost black, slightly alkaline (pH 8-9), viscous, aqueous-based paste comprising several hundred components.…”

“…Conifer Green Needle Complex (CGNC; also known as Bioeffective®A) is a complex substance obtained from green verdure of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies (L) Karst. CGNC contains chlorophyll derivatives, carotenoids, vitamins A, E, and K, phytosterols, polyprenols, squalene, sodium salts of fatty and resin acids, and essential oils including natural antibiotics (phytoncides) [19].…”

“…Several group of phytochemicals such as terpenes, β-glycosides, saponins, essential oils and alkaloids inhibit T. vaginalis [23,24]. CGNC has antioxidant properties [25] and antimicrobial activities [19,20] and has been shown to suppress Helicobacter pylori in vitro and in vivo [26][27][28][29].…”