Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activity of Bauhinia forficata Link and Cnidoscolus quercifolius Extracts commonly Used in Folk Medicine

Abstract

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. Clinical significance The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of infectious processes has an important nowadays, due to the limitations of the use of synthetic antibiotics available, related specifically to the microbial resistance emergence. How to cite this article Alves EP, de F Lima R, de Almeida CM, Freires IA, Rosalen PL, Ruiz ALTG, Granville-Garcia AF, Godoy GP, Pereira JV, de Brito Costa EMM. Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activity of Bauhinia forficata Link and Cnidoscolus quercifolius Extracts commonly Used in Folk Medicine. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(8):635-640.