Antimicrobial and antiproliferative activity of Bauhinia forficata link and Cnidoscolus quercifolius extracts commonly used in folk medicine

Abstract

Background: Bauhinia forficata and Cnidoscolus quercifolius plants are commonly used in folk medicine. However, few studies have investigated their therapeutic potential. Aim: Herein, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of B. forficata and C. quercifolius extracts against microorganisms of clinical relevance and their antiproliferative potential against tumor cells. Materials and methods: The following tests were performed: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), inhibition of biofilm adhesion, and effects on cell morphology. Antiproliferative tests were carried out with human keratinocytes and six tumor lines. Results: Bauhinia forficata showed antimicrobial activity only against C. albicans with MIC of 15.62 μg/mL and MFC higher than 2000 μg/mL. It also inhibited biofilm adhesion and caused alterations in cell morphology. Cnidoscolus quercifolius showed no significant activity (MIC > 2.0 mg/mL) against the strains. Bauhinia forficata and C. quercifolius extracts showed cytostatic activity against the tumor cells. Conclusion: Bauhinia forficata has promising anti-Candida activity and should be further investigated for its therapeutic potential.