Antifungal activity of fluid extracts of Sechium edule Swartz.

ORDOÑEZ A, VATTUONE M., GOMEZ D., ISLA M.I.

Tucumán

Jornada; XX Reunión de la Asociación de Biología; 2004

Asociación de Biología de Tucumán

Sechium edule Swartz is a Cucurbitacea called chayote ora ir potato. This  specie is an exportation product in Mexico and Brasil but in argentina is known only as an exotic plant. In previous Works we demonstrated that fluid extracts of S. edule leaves (FEL) had antibacterial, antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. Genotoxicity and citotoxicity were not observed. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antifungal activity of fluid extract of leaves. Minimal antifungal concentration (CFM) by macro and micro dilution methods against Aspergillus spp and Candida albicans were determined. The antifungal activity in vitro were also determined by bioauthographic and agar well difusión methods. The results were compared with miconazol nitrate and nistatine (synthetic antimycotic). Fluid extract inhibited the growth of all assayed strains. CFM values were between 20 and 40 µg/ml for Aspergillus spp and 40-80 µg/ml for Candida albicans. The CFM values were tour and five Fol. Coger than nistatine and miconazol nitrate, respectively. Our results showed a potencial clinical use as therapeutic agent in topical pharmaceutical formulations, Duch as tose used in dermatophatias of fungical origen.