Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Potential ofAnadenanthera colubrina(Vell.) Brenan
The aim of the present study was to perform anin vitroanalysis of the antimicrobial and antiproliferative potential of an extract fromAnadenanthera colubrina(Vell.) Brenan (angico) and chemically characterize the crude extract. Antimicrobial action was evaluated based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration, and the inhibition of formation to oral biofilm. Cell morphology was determined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Six strains of tumor cells were used for the determination of antiproliferative potential. The extract demonstrated strong antifungal activity againstCandida albicansATCC 18804 (MIC=0.031 mg/mL), with similar activity found regarding the ethyl acetate fraction. The extract and active fraction also demonstrated the capacity to inhibit the formation ofCandida albicansto oral biofilm after 48 hours, with median values equal to or greater than the control group, but the difference did not achieve statistical significance(P>0.05). SEM revealed alterations in the cell morphology of the yeast. Regarding antiproliferative activity, the extract demonstrated cytostatic potential in all strains tested. The present findings suggest strong antifungal potential forAnadenanthera colubrina(Vell.) Brenan as well as a tendency toward diminishing the growth of human tumor cells.