In Silico and In Vitro Analysis of Sulforaphane Anti-<i>Candida</i> Activity

• Main Authors: Bruna L. R. Silva (Author), Gisele Simão (Author), Carmem D. L. Campos (Author), Cinara R. A. V. Monteiro (Author), Laryssa R. Bueno (Author), Gabriel B. Ortis (Author), Saulo J. F. Mendes (Author), Israel Viegas Moreira (Author), Daniele Maria-Ferreira (Author), Eduardo M. Sousa (Author), Flávia C. B. Vidal (Author), Cristina de Andrade Monteiro (Author), Valério Monteiro-Neto (Author), Elizabeth S. Fernandes (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2022-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.3390/antibiotics11121842; 2079-6382
• Keywords: sulforaphane; antifungal activity; <i>Candida albicans</i>; in silico analysis; Therapeutics. Pharmacology; RM1-950
• Source: Antibiotics, Vol 11, Iss 12, p 1842 (2022)

Oropharyngeal candidiasis/candidosis is a common and recurrent opportunistic fungal infection. Fluconazole (FLZ), one of the most used and effective antifungal agents, has been associated with a rise of resistant <i>Candida</i> species in immunocompromised patients undergoing prophylactic therapy. Sulforaphane (SFN), a compound from cruciferous vegetables, is an antimicrobial with yet controversial activities and mechanisms on fungi. Herein, the in silico and antifungal activities of SFN against <i>C. albicans</i> were investigated. In silico analyzes for the prediction of the biological activities and oral bioavailability of SFN, its possible toxicity and pharmacokinetic parameters, as well as the estimates of its gastrointestinal absorption, permeability to the blood-brain barrier and skin, and similarities to drugs, were performed by using different software. SFN in vitro anti-<i>Candida</i> activities alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLZ) were determined by the broth microdilution method and the checkerboard, biofilm and hyphae formation tests. Amongst the identified probable biological activities of SFN, nine indicated an antimicrobial potential. SFN was predicted to be highly absorbable by the gastrointestinal tract, to present good oral availability, and not to be irritant and/or hepatotoxic. SFN presented antifungal activity against <i>C. albicans</i> and prevented both biofilm and hyphae formation by this microorganism. SFN was additive/synergistic to FLZ. Overall, the data highlights the anti-<i>Candida</i> activity of SFN and its potential to be used as an adjuvant therapy to FLZ in clinical settings.