Next Article in Journal
Antibacterial Activity of Propolis Extracts from the Central Region of Romania against Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Next Article in Special Issue
Computational Drug Repurposing for Antituberculosis Therapy: Discovery of Multi-Strain Inhibitors
Previous Article in Journal
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections with Canephron® in Germany: A Retrospective Database Analysis
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Synergistic Activity of New Diclofenac and Essential Oils Combinations against Different Candida spp.

1
Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
2
School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
3
Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Antibiotics 2021, 10(6), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10060688
Submission received: 11 May 2021 / Revised: 30 May 2021 / Accepted: 3 June 2021 / Published: 8 June 2021
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Repositioning in Antimicrobial Therapy)

Abstract

:
According to recent studies, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) have shown a good antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Their association with essential oils (EOs) could be useful for the treatment of infections caused by Candida spp. The aim of this studyis to evaluate the synergistic antifungal activity of new combinations between Diclofenac Sodium Salt (DSS), a widely used NSAID, with EOs of Mentha × piperita, Pelargonium graveolens and Melaleuca alternifolia. The in-vitro antifungal activity was determined on different Candida strains. The determination of the chemical composition of EOs was carried out by gaschromatography-massspectrometry (GC-MS). Susceptibility testing of planktonic cells was performed by using the broth microdilution assay and checkerboard methods. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of DSS was in a range from 1.02 to 2.05 μg/mL reaching a MIC value of 0.05 μg/mL when combined with Pelargonium graveolens (FICI = 0.23–0.35) or Menthapiperita (FICI = 0.22–0.30) EOs. These preliminary results show thatthe combination of the EOs with DSS improves the antifungal activity on all the tested Candida strains.

1. Introduction

Fungal infections should not be underestimated, since their incidence in recent years has increased significantly, especially in immunocompromised patients [1]. Moreover, among all nosocomial fungal infections, those caused by Candida spp. are the most difficult to eradicate. Indeed, infections caused by Candida spp. can spread and colonize different tissue districts, causing considerable damage up to the compromise of organ functions. Candidiasis and candidemia show a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms of different entities depending on whether they are: superficial infections, affecting the skin and mucous membranes, or of deep and widespread severity [2,3].
Current pharmacological therapies are focused on the use of conventional antifungals such as Amphotericin B [4,5] and synthetic drugs belonging to the azoles class (e.g. Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole) that could also be prescribed in combination with each other depending on the severity of the infection [6]. Recently, the activity of different drugs belonging to other therapeutic classes are being evaluated in the drugs-repositioning strategy as antimicrobials [7]. Drugs such as Promazine (phenothiazine antipsychotic), Promethazine (antihistamine), Methyldopa (centrally acting antidepressant), Dobutamine (sympathomimetic) and Diclofenac (NSAIDs) have shown an interesting antimicrobial activity, and for this reason they have been defined as non-antibiotic drugs [8,9,10,11,12]. According to these results, Diclofenac, also known as (2-[2-(2,6-dichloroanilino)phenyl] acetic acid), one of the more effective cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX) inhibitors, was selected for this research. Indeed, COX inhibitionleads to blockage of prostaglandins (PGs) biosynthesis, contributing to a variety of physiological and pathological functions. Furthermore, current studies show that PGs may play a pivotal role in the regulation of eicosanoids pathway in Candida spp. and because of an impairment of their metabolism, the inhibition of PGs synthesis by Diclofenac should cause the fungus death [13,14,15]. Based on this evidence, DSS could be able to reduce the infection, acting as a COX inhibitory agent for the treatment of Candida infections.
Recently, research on EOs, whose antifungal activity in traditional medicine has been well documented, has aroused the interest of many researchers. Several recent studies confirmed the potential of these natural products as antifungal agents [16]. Therefore, it is not surprising that EOs are regarded as one of the most promising groups of natural products useful for the development of new broad-spectrum, cheaper, and safer drugs for the treatment of mycosis [17]. Although the precise mechanism of the antifungal action of EOs is not yet explained, the plasma membrane and the cell wall appear to be particularly affected [18,19]. Among EOs, it is already known that Mentha x piperita L. [20], Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. [21], and Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel [22,23] have antifungal properties.
Starting from these results, the aim of these preliminary studies is to assess the synergistic effects of a new combination of DSS and EOs against planktonic cells of Candida spp., revealing new strategies for the repositioning of this anti-inflammatory drug.

2. Results

2.1. EOs Chemical Composition

EOs used in this study were analyzed using GC-MS. Their chemical composition is described in Table 1.
About 45 compounds were identified in P. graveolens EO corresponding to 89.4% of the whole mixture. This EO was characterized bycitronellol (26.5%), geraniol (11.7%), γ−eudesmol (7.02%), citronellyl formate (6.85%), linalol(4.68%) and iso-menthone (4.61%). Other compounds accounted for less than 2%. They were identified as β-bourbonene (1.8%), rose oxide (1.67%), (E)-caryophyllene (1.63%), geranyl formate and geranyl tiglate (1.57% both) and 2-phenylethyl tiglate (1.48%).
Pure M. piperita EO was characterized for 96% of its composition. Menthol (35.6%) and neo-menthol (9.33%) were the major components. Other compounds present in relevant amount were menthone (23.99%), 1,8-cineole (9.70%), trans-carene (7.72%) and (E)-caryophyllene (2.13%). Several compounds, such as α-pinene, β-pinene, piperitone and pulegone were present in an amount less than 2%, while others are in traces.
M. alternifolia EO was characterized for 82.78%. The major relevant compound was terpinen-4-ol (33.4%). γ−Terpinene accounted for 17.18% of the mixture, followed by aromadendrene (4.41%), ledene (3.93%), and α−terpinolene (3.80%). Several compounds such as α−pinene, p-cymene and δ−cadinene comprised about 2% of the mixture, while (E)-caryophyllene and isoledene were about 1%.

2.2. Antifungal Activity

In this research, DSS was combined with different EOs to inhibit the fungal growth. The antifungal activity as MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) of these combinations were reported in Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4. The FIC Index (FICI), a parameter that studies the synergism of two compounds, was also reported. Considering the combination between DSS and EOs, the lowest FICI values are 0.22 for M. piperita EO, 0.23 for P. graveolens and M. alternifolia. It is interesting to note that the concentration in μg/mL of DSS decreases from 2.05 to 0.06 when combined with M. piperita EO, to 0.05 in combination with P. graveolens EO and to0.10 in association with M. alternifolia EO (Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4).

3. Discussion

The emergence and development of antifungal drug resistance in Candida spp. constitute a serious concern. A successful combination of therapy for the treatment of fungal infectious diseases can achieve broader antifungal coverage and potentially reduce acquired resistance. The combination of repositioned drugs with EOs is also an interesting approach for the rapid identification of new therapies to treat acute infections. Several studies demonstrated that NSAIDs exhibited antifungal activity against Candida species alone or in combination with antifungal agents [29,30]. The antifungal activity of NSAIDs is conceivably related to the inhibition of the COX leading to decrease the levels of prostaglandins that are known to be produced by Candida spp. Among NSAIDs, DSS is an anti-inflammatory drug whose activity on eukaryotic fungal cells was likely determined by an impairment of PGs metabolism. In fact, DSS causes an inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Due to their potential therapeutic effects, EOs are widely used as alternative antimicrobial agents against various infections.
Our previous studies on EOs showed their synergy with some commercially available antibiotics and demonstrated the effectiveness of these associations by proposing the possibility of a new therapeutic use [31,32,33,34,35].
In the present study, we reported the effect of DSS in combination with EOs of M. piperita, P. graveolens and M. alternifolia on the growth of Candida spp. from ATCC collection and clinical isolation. As highlighted in our in-vitro assays, Candida spp. planktonic cells have shown their sensitivity to the compounds tested, both individually and in combination. Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4 show the antifungal activity against Candida spp. of DSS alone or in combination with EOs tested. The results obtained allow us to confirm the synergistic effect between DSS and the EOs under study. Indeed, the data clearly show a significant reduction in the active concentration of NSAID when used in association with EOs for all fungal strains tested. It is noteworthy that, when tested in association with M. piperita EO, the MIC value for DSS is reduced from 1.02 μg/mL to 0.05 μg/mL and from 1.02 μg/mL to 0.06 μg/mL for C. parapsilosis 11A13 and C. krusei ATCC 6258, respectively. With regard to the association with P. graveolens EO, it is particularly noteworthy that the MIC value of DSS is reduced from 1.02 μg/mL to 0.05 μg/mL for C. parapsilosis 910. Interestingly, the MIC value of DSS is reduced from 1.02 μg/mL to 0.05 μg/mL for C. parapsilosis 11A13 and C. parapsilosis 910, when tested in association with M. alternifolia EO. These promising results obtained allow us to confirm the synergistic effect between DSS and the EOs under study. This activity should be ascribed to the presence of fundamental active compounds in EOs such as terpene alcohols and hydrocarbons acting in association with DSS. The mechanism of action is conceivably multifactorial, deriving from the complex synergy of the components. As reported in several scientific works, the synergy of EO could be explained by their ability to disrupt the permeability barrier of the microbial plasma membrane [18,19]. This disruption could conceivably facilitate the entry of DSS into the microbial cell, thus interacting with the COX systems and ultimately causing its antifungal action.

4. Material and Methods

4.1. Material

The pure M. piperita EO (LOT F011023, 10/2023), the pure P. graveolens EO (LOT F810074, 07/2022) and the pure M. alternifolia EO (F911010, 04/2024) were provided by Puressentiel Italia (Milano, Italy) and were stored in a brown glass bottle at the temperature of 0–4 °C until the testing analysis or microbiological assays. The DSS was purchased from Farmalabor (Canosa di Puglia—Bari, Italy). Solvents (analytical grade), n-alkanes standard mixture C7–C40and all standard compounds (17, 24–26, 30, 34 and 68 listed in Table 1) used to compare GC-MS analyses were purchased from Supelco Sigma-Aldrich S.r.l. (Milano, Italy). Filters were supplied by Agilent Technologies Italia S.p.a (Milano, Italy).The culture media used are Sabouraud 2% dextrose broth (Oxoid, Italy) and Yeast Malt Broth (Oxoid, Italy).The antifungal activity was tested against many fungal strains and include different strains belonging to the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Rockville, MD, USA) or derived from clinical isolation. Strains from the ATCC were C. albicans (ATCC 10231), C. albicans (ATCC 90028), C. glabrata (ATCC 15126), C. tropicalis (ATCC 750), C. kefyr (ATCC 204093), C. krusei (ATCC 6258). All the isolates were from patients admitted to the intensive care unit of the Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, Italy. The isolation and identification procedures were conducted inthe Hygiene Section of the Department. Using conventional physiological and morphological methods (API systems), the strains were identified as C. albicans A18, C. albicans 10A12, C. albicans 810, C. krusei 31A29, C. parapsilosis 11A13, C. parapsilosis 1A1, C. parapsilosis 911, C. parapsilosis 910 and C. tropicalis 810. All strains were grown and maintained on Sabouraud dextrose broth (Oxoid, Italy) at 37 °C.

4.2. Methods

4.2.1. Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Equipment

Gas chromatographic analysis of EOs were performed on an Agilent 6890 N gas chromatograph equipped with a 5973 N mass spectrometer, provided with a HP-5 MS (5% phenylmethylpolysiloxane, 30 m, 0.25 mm i.d., 0.1 μm film thickness; J & W Scientific, Folsom) capillary column. The following temperature programmer was used: 5 min at 60 °C, then 4 °C/min to 220 °C, then 11 °C/min to 280 °C, held for 15 min, for a total run of 65 min. Injector and detector temperatures were 280 °C; the carrier gas was He; the flow rate was 1 mL/min; the split ratio was 1:50; the acquisition range was 29–400 m/z in electron-impact (EI) mode; and the ionization voltage was 70 eV.

4.2.2. Compound Identification

For chemical characterization, EOs were diluted 1:100 in ethyl acetate and after filtration, 1 μL of each EO solution was injected into the GC-MS. Identification of the EOs’ components was done by comparison with authentic standards available in the authors’ laboratory. Qualitative analyses were carried out comparing the calculated Linear Retention Indices (LRIs) and Similarity Index Mass Spectra (SI/MS) for the obtained peaks with the analogous data from NIST 2017 and Adams 4th ed. (2007) databases. LRI of each compound was obtained by temperature programming analysis and was calculated in relation to a homologous series of n-alkanes (C7–C40) under the same operating conditions. LRI was calculated following the Van den Dool and Kratz equation [22] and compared with the Arithmetic Index (AI) from NIST 2017 database [26] and Adams, 4th ed. (Adams 2007) [25]. SI/MS were determined as reported by Koo et al. [27]. Component relative percentages were calculated based on GC peak areas without using correction factors.

4.2.3. Preparation of The Test Solution

The EOs are solubilized in ethanol in 1:5 proportions and then diluted in Sabouraud added with tween 80. DSS should be solubilized in DMSO and subsequently in culture medium.

4.2.4. Antifungal and Susceptibility Tests

The antifungal activity of DSS was evaluated using a microdilution method as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, M27-A3) [36]. Four double serial dilutions of the EOs were prepared following the same method used to evaluate the MIC described in our previous works [31,32]. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) determinations were made in triplicate. Two-fold serial dilutions of the NSAID were made with Yeast Malt Broth (YMB) to give concentrations ranging from 2.05 μg/mL to 0.03 μg/mL. MICs indicating the bacteriostatic effect of the DSS were obtained following incubation at 37 °C for 48 h. MICs were recorded as the lowest concentration of tested compound that completely inhibited fungal growth.

4.2.5. Checkerboard Test

The checkerboard method was utilized to determine the synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects of the combination of DSS and EOs. The tested dilutions were based on the MIC of the two substances. The combination of two compounds was synergistic when the FICI was ≤0.5, additive when the FICI was >0.5 and <1, and antagonistic when the FICI was >1. The test was performed using sterile 96-well microtiter plates containing DSS and EOs in two-fold serial concentrations. MICs were obtained following incubation at 37 °C for 48 h.
Each test was performed in triplicate. A synergistic effect (FICI ≤ 0.5) between the two compounds is indicated as a concave curve, additive (FICI >0.5 and <1) interactions are represented by a straight line, and a convex curve indicates antagonism (FICI ≥ 1). This procedure allowed to evaluate with accurately the effect of synergism on the fungal growth.

4.3. Statistical Analysis

Every experiment for GC-MS has been replicated three times across three different days. The microbiological assays were performed for five times in five different days, giving an amount of 25 replicates.
Statistical analysis for microbiological assay (standard deviation, SD) and for chemical determination of structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed using Microsoft Excel.

5. Conclusions

The synergistic associations of drugs represent a valid approach in the antimicrobial therapies that have provided positive results in recent years. The rediscovery of natural products and their use in medical practice is quite recent and derives above all from the need to overcome the undesirable effects induced by conventional antimicrobials. The success of therapies based on natural products of plant origin has been scientifically evaluated with irrefutable research protocols in laboratory settings as well as in clinical practice. Our previous studies on EOs, based on the synergy with antibiotics, demonstrated the effectiveness of these associations by proposing the possibility of their possible therapeutic use. The data reported in this study underline that EOs, commonly sold and distributed, possess in vitro a decisive and strong action towards fungal Candida cells, belonging to different species in association with DSS, an NSAID whose activity against Candida spp. has been successfully confirmed. Results obtained indicate that small quantities of DSS and EO in association possess an excellent inhibitory capacity towards different strains of Candida spp. The effectiveness is conceivably the result of a multifactorial action, which escapes any resistance mechanisms that are now widespread and increasingly worrying. The in-vitro assays of these associations validate a sure efficacy against Candida infection, hither to never treated in scientifically proven research works. Further studies in the sector of EOs in association with NSAIDs are necessary to give us a better understanding of these phenomena related to fungal antibiosis from combinations of drugs and natural products. In this context our results may represent an interesting starting point for an alternative route to new synergistic antifungal therapies against fungal infections, overcoming the high cost of new drugs and the potential risk of antagonistic interactions. We are confident that these finding could represent a valid alternative to protect human health from infectious diseases.

Author Contributions

Data curation, S.S., L.S., A.C., M.L.C., F.C., E.A., G.d.M.; and G.F.; selection of essential oils, F.M.; formal analysis, M.L.C.; investigation, A.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The date is available in the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Abbreviations

DSSDiclofenac Sodium Salt
EosEssentialOils
GCGas Chromatography
MSMass Spectrometer
SEMStructural Equation Modeling
LRILinear Retention Indices
AIArithmetic Index
SI/MSSimilarity Index/Mass Spectra
MICMinimal Inhibitory Concentration
FICIfractional inhibitory concentration

References

  1. Rodrigues, M.L.; Nosanchuk, J.D. Fungal diseases as neglected pathogens: A wake-up call to public health officials. PLoS Neglected Trop. Dis. 2020, 14, e0007964. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  2. Vallabhaneni, S.; Cleveland, A.A.; Farley, M.M.; Harrison, L.H.; Schaffner, W.; Beldavs, Z.G.; Derado, D.; Pham, C.D.; Lockhart, S.R.; Smith, R.M. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Echinocandin Non-susceptible Candida glabrata Bloodstream Infections: Data from a Large Multisite Population-Based Candidemia Surveillance Program, 2008–2014. Open Forum Infect. Dis. 2015, 2. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Ricotta, E.E.; Lai, Y.L.; Babiker, A.; Strich, J.R.; Kadri, S.S.; Lionakis, M.S.; Prevots, D.R.; Adjemian, J. Invasive Candidiasis Species Distribution and Trends, United States, 2009-2017. J. Infect. Dis. 2021, 223, 1295–1302. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Pfaller, M.A.; Diekema, D.J.; Gibbs, D.L.; Newell, V.A.; Ellis, D.; Tullio, V.; Rodloff, A.; Fu, W.; Ling, T.A. Global Antifungal Surveillance Group. Results from the ARTEMIS DISK Global Antifungal Surveillance Study, 1997 to 2007: A 10.5-year analysis of susceptibilities of Candida Species to fluconazole and voriconazole as determined by CLSI standardized disk diffusion. J. Clin. Microbiol. 2010, 48, 1366–1377. [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  5. Yapar, N. Epidemiology and risk factors for invasive candidiasis. Ther. Clin. Risk Manage. 2014, 10, 95–105. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  6. Johnson, M.D.; MacDougall, C.; Ostrosky-Zeichner, L.; Perfect, J.R.; Rex, J.H. Combination antifungal therapy. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2004, 48, 693–715. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  7. Moraes, D.C.; Ferreira-Pereira, A. Insights on the anticandidal activity of non-antifungal drugs. J. Mycol. Med. 2019, 29, 253–259. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Lagadinou, M.; Onisor, M.O.; Rigas, A.; Musetescu, D.-V.; Gkentzi, D.; Assimakopoulos, S.F.; Panos, G.; Marangos, M. Antimicrobial Properties on Non-Antibiotic Drugs in the Era of Increased Bacterial Resistance. Antibiot. Chemother. 2020, 9, 107. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  9. Laudy, A.E. Non-antibiotics, Efflux Pumps and Drug Resistance of Gram-negative Rods. Pol. J. Microbiol. 2018, 67, 129–135. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  10. Silva, A.; Silva, P. Non-Antibiotic Compounds: The Activity of the NSAID Diclofenac on Bacteria- A Review. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. Appl. Sci. 2018, 7, 340–351. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Leão, C.; Borges, A.; Simões, M. NSAIDs as a Drug Repurposing Strategy for Biofilm Control. Antibiotics 2020, 9, 591. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  12. De Matos, R.F.; Mendonça, L.C.V.; da Silva Souza, K.G.; Fonseca, A.A.D.; Costa, E.M.S.; de Lima, M.V.D.; Vieira, J.M.D.S.; de Brito, M.T.F.M.; Monteiro, M.C. Nimesulide inhibits pathogenic fungi: PGE2-dependent mechanisms. Folia Microbiol. 2017, 62, 169–174. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Bink, A.; Kucharíková, S.; Neirinck, B.; Vleugels, J.; Van Dijck, P.; Cammue, B.P.; Thevissen, K. The Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug Diclofenac Potentiates the In Vivo Activity of Caspofungin Against Candida albicans Biofilms. J. Infect. Dis. 2012, 206, 1790–1797. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  14. Chakraborty, T.; Tóth, R.; Gácser, A. Eicosanoid production by Candida parapsilosis and other pathogenic yeasts. Virulence 2019, 10, 970–975. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  15. Brilhante, R.S.N.; Brasil, J.A.; Oliveira, J.S.D.; Pereira, V.S.; Pereira-Neto, W.D.A.; Sidrim, J.J.C.; Rocha, M.F.G. Diclofenac exhibits synergism with azoles against planktonic cells and biofilms of Candida tropicalis. Biofouling 2020, 36, 528–536. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  16. Zuzarte, M.; Gonçalves, M.J.; Cavaleiro, C.; Canhoto, J.; Vale-Silva, L.; Silva, M.J.; Pinto, E.; Salgueiro, L. Chemical composition and antifungal activity of the essential oils of Lavandula viridis L’Her. J. Med. Microbiol. 2011, 60, 612–618. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  17. Ríos, J.L.; Recio, M.C. Medicinal Plants and Antimicrobial Activity. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005, 100, 80–84. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  18. D’agostino, M.; Tesse, N.; Frippiat, J.P.; Machouart, M.; Debourgogne, A. Essential oils and their natural active compounds presenting antifungal properties. Molecules 2019, 24, 3713. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  19. Nazzaro, F.; Fratianni, F.; Coppola, R.; Feo, V.D. Essential oils and antifungal activity. Pharmaceuticals 2017, 10, 86. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  20. Tullio, V.; Roana, J.; Scalas, D.; Mandras, N. Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Mentha x piperita (Lamiaceae) of Pancalieri (Turin, Italy) Essential Oil and Its Synergistic Interaction with Azoles. Molecules 2019, 24, 3148. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  21. Szutt, A.; Dołhańczuk-Śródka, A.; Sporek, M. Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Essential Oils Derived from Different Species Leaves. Ecol. Chem. Eng. 2020, 26, 807–816. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  22. Carson, C.F.; Hammer, K.A.; Riley, T.V. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. ClinMicrobiol Rev. 2006, 19, 50–62. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  23. Di Vito, M.; Fracchiolla, G.; Mattarelli, P.; Modesto, M.; Tamburro, A.; Padula, F.; Agatensi, L.; Giorlandino, F.R.; Girolamo, A.; Carbonara, G.G.; et al. Probiotic and tea tree oil treatments improve therapy of vaginal candidiasis: A preliminary clinical study. Med. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2016, 4, 1–6. [Google Scholar]
  24. Van den Dool, H.; Kratz, P.D. A generalization of the retention index system including linear temperature programmed gas-liquid partition chromatography. J. Chromatogr. A 1963, 11, 463–471. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Adams, R.P. Identification of Essential Oil Components by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, 4th ed.; Allured Pub Corp.: Carol Stream, IL, USA, 2007; ISBN 9781932633214. [Google Scholar]
  26. NIST Chemistry WebBook. 2018. Available online: http://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry (accessed on 17 April 2021).
  27. Koo, I.; Kim, S.; Zhang, X. Comparative analysis of mass spectral matching-based compound identification in gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. J. Chromatog. A 2013, 1298, 132–138. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  28. Wan, K.X.; Vidavsky, I.; Gross, M.L. Comparing similar spectra: From similarity index to spectral contrastangle. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 2002, 13, 85–88. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  29. Rosato, A.; Catalano, A.; Carocci, A.; Carrieri, A.; Carone, A.; Caggiano, G.; Franchini, F.; Corbo, F.; Montagna, M.T. In vitro interactions between anidulafungin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on biofilms of Candida spp. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2016, 24, 1002–1005. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Ashraf, A.; Yousri, F.; Taha, N.; El-Waly, O.A.; Ramadan, A.E.K.; Ismail, E.; Hamada, R.; Khalaf, M.; Refaee, M.; Ali, S.; et al. Effect of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on growth, adherence and mature biofilms of Candida spp. Am. J. Microbiol. Res. 2015, 3, 1–7. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Rosato, A.; Carocci, A.; Catalano, A.; Clodoveo, M.L.; Franchini, C.; Corbo, F.; Carbonara, G.G.; Carrieri, A.; Fracchiolla, G. Elucidation of the synergistic action of MenthaPiperita essential oil with common antimicrobials. PLoS ONE 2018, 13. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  32. Salvagno, L.; Sblano, S.; Fracchiolla, G.; Corbo, F.; Clodoveo, M.L.; Rosato, A. Antibiotics—Mentha piperita essential oil synergism inhibits mature bacterial biofilm. Chem. Today 2020, 38, 49–52. [Google Scholar]
  33. Rosato, A.; Sblano, S.; Salvagno, L.; Carocci, A.; Clodoveo, M.L.; Corbo, F.; Fracchiolla, G. Anti-Biofilm Inhibitory Synergistic Effects of Combinations of Essential Oils and Antibiotics. Antibiotics 2020, 9, 637. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  34. Rosato, A.; Maggi, F.; Cianfaglione, K.; Conti, F.; Ciaschetti, G.; Rakotosaona, R.; Fracchiolla, G.; Clodoveo, M.L.; Franchini, C.; Corbo, F. Chemical composition, and antibacterial activity of seven uncommon essential oils. J. Essent. Oil Res. 2018, 30, 233–243. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  35. Rosato, A.; Vitali, C.; De Laurentis, N.; Armenise, D.; Milillo, M.A. Antibacterial effect of some essential oils administered alone or in combination with Norfloxacin. Phytomedicine 2007, 14, 727–732. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  36. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Available online: https://clsi.org/media/3481/m100ed30_sample.pdf (accessed on 31 January 2021).
Table 1. Chemical composition of tested Essential Oils (Eos).
Table 1. Chemical composition of tested Essential Oils (Eos).
NComponentsLRIAIPelargonium graveolensMentha × piperitaMelaleuca alternifolia
AREA% ± SEMSI/MSAREA% ± SEMSI/MSAREA% ± SEMSI/MS
1propanoic acid, ethylester7127140.12 ± 0.012860.11 ± 0.00991
2α-thujene924926 0.04 ± 0.001910.88 ± 0.02091
3α-pinene9339330.59 ± 0.050971.40 ± 0.010972.14 ± 0.12096
41-methyl-3-(2-methyl-1-propenyl)-cyclopentane9729720.18 ± 0.05080
5β-pinene975975 1.43 ± 0.50096
6trans-carene977977 7.72 ± 2.11091
7β-myrcene987988 0.13 ± 0.10091
82,6-dimethyl- 2,6-octadiene9919901.01 ± 0.09096
93-octanol995995 0.13 ± 0.15090
10o-cymene102110210.10 ± 0.005910.44 ± 0.05095
11p-cymene10251025 2.21 ± 0.99095
12(Z)−β-ocimene102710270.10 ± 0.00795
133-isopropenyl-5,5-dimethyl-cyclopentene10291028 1.68 ± 0.03081
141,8-cineole10311031 9.07 ± 2.090982.13 ± 0.70098
15limonene103310330.22 ± 0.04094
16β-phellandrene10351035 0.53 ± 0.010910.23 ± 0.00591
17γ-terpinene a10581060 0.11 ± 0.0029617.18 ± 2.12094
18cis-linalool oxide107010740.37 ± 0.00190
19α−terpinolene10811082 3.80 ± 0.02096
20linalol109910984.68 ± 0.85095
21rose oxide111211121.67 ± 0.05090
22cis-p-menth-2-en-1-ol11191119 0.33 ± 0.00593
23p-menthone115411542.19 ± 0.97098
24iso-menthone a116411654.61 ± 1.7009823.99 ± 2.49097
25menthol a116811690.14 + 0.0039135.60 + 1.76091
26terpinen-4-ol a11741174 33.28 + 2.75083
27isopulegone11771177 0.16 + 0.00296
28neo-iso-menthol11871188 9.33 + 1.10096
29α-terpineol119111900.45 + 0.090800.59 + 0.010872.84 + 0.35086
30citronellol a1220122126.15 ± 3.26098
31pulegone123012360.11 ± 0.010831.21 ± 0.40098
32citral124012400.70 ± 0.00196
33piperitone12501253 1.20 ± 0.03096
34geraniol a1254125411.70 ± 1.02096
35citronellyl formate127212756.85 ± 0.92096
36geraniol formate128012812.69 ± 0.10086
37menthyl acetate12941294 0.40 ± 0.00591
381,5,5-trimethyl-6-methylen-cyclohexene133513380.33 ± 0.07086
39citronellyl acetate135813550.48 ± 0.05094
40neryl acetate136413671.47 ± 0.25086
41isoledene13761373 1.07 ± 0.09095
42β-bourbonene138013821.80 ± 0.14095
43langifolene14051405 0.12 ± 0.00990
441-H-indene-1-ethylideneocta
hydro-7a-methyl-(1z,3a.a,7a.b)
141014090.64 ± 0.04095
45α-guajene141314130.39 ± 0.00198
46(E)-caryophyllene142014191.63 ± 0.020992.13 ± 0.950991.09 ± 0.01399
47β-copaene142814281.06 ± 0.01599
48neryl propionate143014300.15 ± 0.02380
49aromadendrene144014400.70 ± 0.09099 4.41 ± 1.09099
50citronellyl propionate144514451.06 ± 0.03064
51humulene145214520.38 ± 0.001970.12 ± 0.090950.20 ± 0.00197
52α−amorphene145514550.87 ± 0.02596 0.32 ± 0.01599
53(E)-β-farnesene14591459 0.10 ± 0.08095
54γ−muurolene147414740.73 ± 0.05590 0.15 ± 0.09083
55epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene14821482 1.00 ± 0.07887
564,11-selinadiene148314850.18 ± 0.07492
57δ−selinene149014930.17 ± 0.00797
58ledene14951495 3.93 ± 1.67095
59δ−cadiene15241524 2.98 ± 0.43095
60α-panasinsene15271527 0.16 + 0.00993
61α−calacorene154215400.11 ± 0.00191
62geranyl butyrate155415551.49 ± 0.01296
63neo-isolongifolene155815580.18 ± 0.00483
64spathulenol157815780.35 ± 0.00291 0.11 ± 0.00899
65phenylethyl tiglate158415841.48 + 0.01590
66globulol15851585 0.54 ± 0.00198
67caryophyllene oxyde15921592 0.28 ± 0.07095
68γ−eudesmol a162016197.02 ± 2.05099
69(E)-citronellyl tiglate166516670.38 ± 0.00991
70geranyl tiglate170117001.57 ± 0.08091
% Characterized 89.40 96.22 82.78
Others 10.60 3.78 17.22
a: standard compounds. Linear retention index (LRI) on HP-5MS column was experimentally determined using a homologous series of C7–C40 alkanes standard mixture [24]. Arithmetic index (AI) was taken from Adams 4th Ed. (2007) [25] and/or the NIST 2017 Database [26]. Similarity index/mass spectrum (SI/MS) was compared with data reported on NIST 2017 Database and were determined as reported by Koo et al. [27], and Wan et al. [28]. Relative percentage values are means of three determinations with a structural equation modeling (SEM) in all cases below 10%.
Table 2. Antifungal activity of M. piperita Essential Oil (EO) and Diclofenac Sodium Salt (DSS) on different Candida strains.
Table 2. Antifungal activity of M. piperita Essential Oil (EO) and Diclofenac Sodium Salt (DSS) on different Candida strains.
StrainsEODSSSynergism
MIC a ± SDMIC a ± SDDSS μg/mL bEO μg/mL cFICI d
C. albicans ATCC 102311.00 ± 0.4801.02 ± 0.3500.510.050.30
C. albicans ATCC 900281.00 ± 0.4501.02 ± 0.3700.510.050.30
C. glabrata ATCC 151261.00 ± 0.5002.05 ± 0.7900.100.510.30
C. tropicalis ATCC 7501.00 ± 0.4501.02 ± 0.3500.200.060.22
C. kefyr ATCC 2040930.25 ± 0.0202.05 ± 0.8000.200.130.30
C. krusei ATCC 62580.50 ± 0.0301.02 ± 0.3900.060.310.30
C. albicans A181.00 ± 0.0802.05 ± 0.5000.100.510.30
C. albicans 10A120.50 ± 0.0301.02 ± 0.3100.200.130.30
C. albicans 8101.00 ± 0.201.02 ± 0.2500.200.130.30
C. krusei 31A291.00 ± 0.3102.05 ± 0.6200.410.250.30
C. parapsilosis 11A131.00 ± 0.0601.02 ± 0.2000.050.510.30
C. parapsilosis 1A10.50 ± 0.0202.05 ± 0.8300.410.130.30
C. parapsilosis 9110.25 ± 0.0601.02 ± 0.2700.100.060.22
C. parapsilosis 9100.12 ± 0.0401.02 ± 0.4100.100.030.22
C. tropicalis 8100.50 ± 0.0201.02 ± 0.4500.100.120.22
a: MIC minimal inhibitory concentration (%v/v for EO; μg/mL for DSS); b: concentration of DSS in the mixture; c: concentration of essential oil in the mixture; d: FICI: fractional inhibitory concentration index; DSS: Diclofenac Sodium Salt; EO: Essential Oil; SD: Standard Deviation.
Table 3. Antifungal activity of P. graveolens Essential Oil (EO) and Diclofenac Sodium Salt (DSS) on different Candida strains.
Table 3. Antifungal activity of P. graveolens Essential Oil (EO) and Diclofenac Sodium Salt (DSS) on different Candida strains.
StrainsEODSSSynergism
MIC a ± SDMIC a ± SDDSS μg/mL bEO μg/mL cFICI d
C. albicans ATCC 102310.12 ± 0.0211.02 ± 0.3500.100.030.23
C. albicans ATCC 900280.25 ± 0.0171.02 ± 0.3700.200.060.30
C. glabrata ATCC 151260.25 ± 0.0152.05 ± 0.7900.200.060.23
C. tropicalis ATCC 7500.12 ± 0.0131.02 ± 0.3500.100.030.23
C. kefyr ATCC 2040930.12 ± 0.0142.05 ± 0.8000.100.060.30
C. krusei ATCC 62580.50 ± 0.0211.02 ± 0.3900.200.120.30
C. albicans A180.25 ± 0.0212.05 ± 0.5000.410.060.33
C. albicans 10A120.12 ± 0.0121.02 ± 0.3100.200.030.30
C. albicans 8100.12 ± 0.0101.02 ± 0.2500.100.030.23
C. krusei 31A290.50 ± 0.0842.05 ± 0.6200.410.120.30
C. parapsilosis 11A130.50 ± 0.0821.02 ± 0.2000.200.060.30
C. parapsilosis 1A10.25 ± 0.0702.05 ± 0.8300.410.060.26
C. parapsilosis 9110.25 ± 0.0721.02 ± 0.2700.200.030.30
C. parapsilosis 9100.25 ± 0.0791.02 ± 0.4100.050.120.30
C. tropicalis 8100.25 ± 0.0521.02 ± 0.4500.100.120.35
a: MIC minimal inhibitory concentration (%v/v for EO; μg/mL for DSS); b: concentration of DSS in the mixture; c: concentration of essential oil in the mixture; d: FICI: fractional inhibitory concentration index; DSS: Diclofenac Sodium Salt; EO: Essential Oil; SD: Standard Deviation.
Table 4. Antifungal activity of M. alternifolia Essential Oil (EO) and Diclofenac Sodium Salt (DSS) on different Candida strains.
Table 4. Antifungal activity of M. alternifolia Essential Oil (EO) and Diclofenac Sodium Salt (DSS) on different Candida strains.
StrainsEODSSSynergism
MIC a ± SDMIC a ± SDDSS μg/mL bEO μg/mL cFICI d
C. albicans ATCC 102310.50 ± 0.0211.02 ± 0.3500.200.250.45
C. albicans ATCC 900280.50 ± 0.0201.02 ± 0.3700.100.130.23
C. glabrata ATCC 151260.50 ± 0.0122.05 ± 0.7900.200.130.23
C. tropicalis ATCC 7500.50 ± 0.0151.02 ± 0.3500.200.030.23
C. kefyr ATCC 2040931.00 ± 0.1122.05 ± 0.8000.820.51//
C. krusei ATCC 62580.50 ± 0.0251.02 ± 0.3900.400.25//
C. albicans A180.25 ± 0.0012.05 ± 0.5000.820.150.43
C. albicans 10A120.50 ± 0.0251.02 ± 0.3100.200.250.45
C. albicans 8100.50 ± 0.0221.02 ± 0.2500.400.060.45
C. krusei 31A290.50 ± 0.0272.05 ± 0.6200.820.25//
C. parapsilosis 11A130.50 ± 0.0231.02 ± 0.2000.050.250.30
C. parapsilosis 1A10.50 ± 0.0302.05 ± 0.8300.200.250.35
C. parapsilosis 9110.50 ± 0.0421.02 ± 0.2700.050.250.30
C. parapsilosis 9100.50 ± 0.0501.02 ± 0.4100.400.030.43
C. tropicalis 8100.50 ± 0.0451.02 ± 0.4500.200.250.45
a:MIC minimal inhibitory concentration (%v/v for EO; μg/mL for DSS); b: concentration of DSS in the mixture; c: concentration of essential oil in the mixture; d: FICI: fractional inhibitory concentration index; DSS: Diclofenac Sodium Salt; EO: Essential Oil; SD: Standard Deviation.
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Rosato, A.; Altini, E.; Sblano, S.; Salvagno, L.; Maggi, F.; de Michele, G.; Carocci, A.; Clodoveo, M.L.; Corbo, F.; Fracchiolla, G. Synergistic Activity of New Diclofenac and Essential Oils Combinations against Different Candida spp. Antibiotics 2021, 10, 688. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10060688

AMA Style

Rosato A, Altini E, Sblano S, Salvagno L, Maggi F, de Michele G, Carocci A, Clodoveo ML, Corbo F, Fracchiolla G. Synergistic Activity of New Diclofenac and Essential Oils Combinations against Different Candida spp. Antibiotics. 2021; 10(6):688. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10060688

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rosato, Antonio, Elisabetta Altini, Sabina Sblano, Lara Salvagno, Filippo Maggi, Giuliana de Michele, Alessia Carocci, Maria Lisa Clodoveo, Filomena Corbo, and Giuseppe Fracchiolla. 2021. "Synergistic Activity of New Diclofenac and Essential Oils Combinations against Different Candida spp." Antibiotics 10, no. 6: 688. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10060688

APA Style

Rosato, A., Altini, E., Sblano, S., Salvagno, L., Maggi, F., de Michele, G., Carocci, A., Clodoveo, M. L., Corbo, F., & Fracchiolla, G. (2021). Synergistic Activity of New Diclofenac and Essential Oils Combinations against Different Candida spp. Antibiotics, 10(6), 688. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10060688

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop