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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Medicinal plants bave gained a special attention in the last years, due to its renowned health benefits, such
as antimicrobial effects [I]. In fact, several natural matrices bave been increasingly studied, namely for its
antifungal activity against opportunistic fungi [2,3]. Candida species, although commensa!
microorganisms, have caused severe organic dysfunctions to the host, once current antifungal agents have
lost their recognized efficiency [2]. So, numerous studies have been carried out focusing the mechanisms
of acquired drug-resistance by Candida species [<Hi]. However, apart from the discovery of an efficient
multi-drug therapy (i.e. chemical drugs and also natural extracts combination), the discovery of the
involved mechanisms of actions, morphological changes and related kinetic parameters are of major
importance. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) hydromethanolic extract have evidenced promissory
candidacidal effects, and therefore, the involved mechanisms of action need to be clarified. Thus, in the
present study these modes of action were assessed, by using flow cytometry.Overall, the licorice extract
induced significant and irreversible primary damages on Candida cells, being membrane disruption and
consequent unviability one of the main targets. In fact, after membrane destabilization, cells lost their
proper homeostasis, their metabolic functions were blocked and, consequently cells lost functionality. The
relevance and interest of the achieved results open new insights towards the upcorning use of the present
phenolic matrix, being important to evaluate its in viva efficacy. Therefore, further studies are necessary to
deepen knowledge on this field, aiming not only to establish therapeutic and prophylactic doses, but also
to improve the clinical intervention in Candida infections.
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Citation
Martins, Natália; Costa-Oliveira, Sofia; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Silva, Sónia; Henriques, Mariana (2016). Candidacidal potential of licorice phenolic extract: emphasis on its mode of action. In 5° Encontro Português de Jovens Químicos (PYCheM) e o 1° Encontro Europeu de Jovens Químicos (EYCHeM). Guimarães