Evaluation of anticandidal activities and phytochemical examination of extracts prepared from Vitex agnus-castus: a possible alternative in treating candidiasis infections

Abstract

Background Candidiasis infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Fungicidal resistance of some commercially used fungicides ascended the need for a naturally effective alternative. The current study aimed to evaluate the fungicidal activity of Vitex agnus-castus extracts in vitro against some Candida species. Methods The bioactive compounds contained in the crude and alcoholic extracts were compared, and the antioxidant activity was tested, as well. The phytochemical analysis was carried out by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The scavenger activity of the tested extracts was tested, as well. The anticandidal activity was tested to detect the effect of the tested extracts on the mycelial growth of Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candia tropicalis, Candida famata, Candida rhodotorula, and Candida dublinesis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were calculated for all reported activities. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to detect the morphological and ultrastructure response in some selected species. Results FTIR and GC/MS revealed the existence of different bioactive chemical groups such as polyphenols, fatty acids, terpenes, terpenoids, steroids, aldehydes, alcohols, and esters, phytol which is a diterpene. DPPH results confirmed the antioxidant activity of all extracts where the methanolic extract was the strongest scavenging substrate. All extracts showed strong inhibitory effects against different species at a concentration of 200 µg/ml (P < 0.001). SEM and TEM showed morphological and ultrastructure changes in C. famata. Conclusion The current study suggested a reliable antifungal activity of different extracts of Vitex agnus-castus against different Candida species and strains. However, further studies are required to confirm the safety of these extracts to be used in medical applications.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal wild plants in the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Lebanon

“…Moreover, tannins are recently found to demonstrate antiviral activities for treatment of viral diseases including AIDS [ 52 ]. However, species of lower FC and RFC, such as Blitum virgatum L., Smilax aspera L., Vitex agnus-castus L., may also contain in their phytochemical profile a range of constituents that may potentially have some important therapeutic properties [ 53 , 54 , 55 ]. This calls for future comprehensive research to further explore the potential of such species as a source of novel drugs.…”

Vitex Agnus‐Castus L. Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization and Assessment of Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity

“…In addition, the average hydrodynamic diameter of the synthesized VAC ‐AgNPs was found to be less than 100 nm (Figure 3b). It has been reported in the literature that as AgNPs decrease in size, their surface area increases, and accordingly, their antimicrobial activities increase [43] …”

“…It has been reported in the literature that as AgNPs decrease in size, their surface area increases, and accordingly, their antimicrobial activities increase. [43] FT-IR spectroscopy is a widely used analytical technique that can provide valuable information about the chemical structure and composition of a sample. It works by measuring the absorption of infrared radiation by the sample, which can reveal the types of chemical bonds and functional groups present in the molecule.…”

EFFECT OF AQUEOUS VITEX Angus-Cactus EXTRACT ON BODY WEIGHT, HAEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF CHICKEN

“…Traditional medicine has long utilized Chaste tree (vitex Angus-cactus] extract to regulate the process of reproduction and enhanced nutrition [2] Numerous compounds, including iridoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, essential oils, ketosteroids, and vanillic acid, are present in this plant [3]. These compounds are bioactive components with biological activities like antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, nutritious, and diuretic [4,5]. It is used as a treatment for premenstrual syndrome, abnormal menstrual cycles, mastodynia, hyperprolactinemai, and low fertility [6,7].…”