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Antimicrobial and antiparasitic potential of lupeol: antifungal effect on the Candida parapsilosis species complex and nematicidal activity against Caenorhabditis elegans

Summary

Researchers tested a natural compound called lupeol against disease-causing yeasts and parasitic worms. Lupeol successfully killed or inhibited the growth of Candida yeast species that are becoming resistant to current medications. The compound also showed strong activity against parasitic roundworms. This discovery suggests lupeol could be developed as a new treatment option for fungal and parasitic infections.

Background

Non-albicans Candida species, particularly the Candida parapsilosis complex, have increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and show rising resistance to conventional antifungals. Additionally, nematode parasites demonstrate growing resistance to current anthelmintic drugs. Lupeol is a triterpenoid phytosterol with diverse biological activities, though its antifungal and antiparasitic potential remains poorly explored.

Objective

This study investigated the antifungal effect of lupeol against C. parapsilosis complex species in planktonic cells and mature biofilms, as well as its nematicidal potential against Caenorhabditis elegans. Molecular docking was performed to identify potential target molecules for lupeol’s antifungal mechanism.

Results

Lupeol demonstrated antifungal activity against planktonic cells with MICs between 64-512 µg/ml. In mature biofilms, lupeol reduced biomass from 1024 µg/ml and metabolic activity from 64 µg/ml. Molecular docking revealed lupeol interacts with sterol 14α-demethylase enzyme. Lupeol exhibited nematicidal effects from 64 µg/ml, achieving 94% mortality at 256 µg/ml after 96 hours.

Conclusion

Lupeol exhibits antifungal effects on C. parapsilosis complex in planktonic and biofilm forms, likely through inhibition of ergosterol synthesis via 14α-demethylase interaction. Lupeol demonstrates significant nematicidal potential, warranting further investigation as a novel antimicrobial and antiparasitic agent.
  • Published in:Journal of Medical Microbiology,
  • Study Type:In vitro Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40052668; DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001976
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