Phytochemical profile and anticryptococcal activity of a phenolic-rich fraction from the bark of Myracrodruon urundeuva M. Allemão

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the anticryptococcal activity of the ethyl acetate fraction (FAMu) from the ethanolic extract of Myracrodruon urundeuva bark. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extract was fractionated and subjected to in vitro cytotoxicity and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests. After screening, FAMu was selected for further testing: phytochemical composition, antifungal susceptibility, synergy with fluconazole and amphotericin B, kill-curve assay, effects on cell morphology and capsule, alterations in ergosterol content, and induction of oxidative burst. The alternative invertebrate model Tenebrio molitor was used to evaluate in vivo toxicity, survival, and fungal burden. RESULTS: The LC-UV/DAD-ESI/MS fingerprint identified phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, apocynins, cinchonaines, and urundeuvins. FAMu had a selectivity index between 16 and 32 and MICs below 13 µg mL-1. Synergy tests revealed indifferent interaction with standard antifungals. FAMu exposure was associated with reduced fungal viability after 24 h, alterations in ergosterol content, lipid peroxidation, reduced capsule size, and changes in cell surface charge. In vivo assays showed that the infected larvae had a more favorable outcome when treated with FAMu alone or combined with fluconazole. CONCLUSIONS: FAMu demonstrated anti-cryptococcal activity in vitro and in the T. molitor model. These results suggest that phenolic-rich fractions from M. urundeuva could be a valuable source of compounds for further antifungal research. However, additional studies are needed to validate these findings in mammalian models and assess their potential applicability.