Sida hermaphrodita seeds as the source of anti - Candida albicans activity

Abstract

Sida hermaphrodita is a perennial herbaceous plant with potential economic importance; however, there is no information about its antimicrobial properties. The aim of our study was to analyze the morphology and metabolic activity of Candida albicans cells after exposure to the extract from S. hermaphrodita seeds, determine its cytotoxicity against human skin fibroblasts and carry out chemical analysis of the extract. Microscopic analysis showed that the crude seed extract (CSE) caused a significant decrease in the metabolic activity of fungal cells, clear cell deformation, and budding disturbances. The analysis of cytotoxicity showed no influence of the extract on the fibroblasts. The CSE and seed extract after dialysis (DSE) were analyzed using electrophoretic, chromatographic, and spectroscopic methods. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis showed the presence of proteins and carbohydrate compounds in the extract. The Raman spectroscopy analysis of the DSE confirmed the presence of proteins, while FTIR analyses revealed the occurrence of albumin-type proteins. The NMR and GC-MS analyses showed the presence of carbohydrates in the seed extract. The MALDI and ESI LC-MS/MS analysis of the CSE and the DSE fractions revealed the occurrence of vicilin-type and plant lipid transfer proteins. The seed extract is a promising formulation to use in C. albicans infections.