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Cell Wall-Mediated Antifungal Activity of the Aqueous Extract of Hedera helix L. Leaves Against Diplodia corticola

Summary

Scientists discovered that extract from ivy leaves can effectively kill a fungus called Diplodia corticola that damages cork oak trees. The extract works by damaging the fungus’s protective cell wall rather than interfering with its internal chemistry. This natural alternative to chemical fungicides could help protect cork production worldwide while being safer for human health and the environment.

Background

Cork oak forests have been declining due to fungal pathogens such as Diplodia corticola. Conventional fungicides used to treat this infection have restricted use due to negative impacts on human health and the environment. Natural plant extracts containing secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties offer potential sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides.

Objective

To investigate the antifungal activity of aqueous extract of Hedera helix (ivy) leaves against Diplodia corticola and elucidate the mechanism of action through chemical analysis and cellular studies. The research aimed to develop a natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for protecting cork oak trees.

Results

HAE contained phenolic compounds including quinic acid, caffeoylquinic acid, rutin, hederacoside C, and various flavonoid glycosides. The extract achieved 70% inhibition of D. corticola mycelial growth after 3 days. Mutant strains deficient in cell wall integrity pathway kinases (bck1 and mkk1/mkk2) were significantly more resistant than wild-type, suggesting cell wall targeting. Osmotic stress assays confirmed that HAE compromises cell wall integrity in both S. cerevisiae and D. corticola.

Conclusion

The aqueous extract of Hedera helix demonstrates potent antifungal activity against D. corticola through cell wall-mediated mechanisms rather than ergosterol biosynthesis inhibition. These findings suggest ivy extracts could serve as a source of natural antifungal agents for protecting cork oak trees from D. corticola infections, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic fungicides.
  • Published in:Antibiotics (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39766506
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