Effect of environmental and phenological factors on the antimicrobial activity of Cochlospermum regium (Schrank) Pilg. roots

ABSTRACT. Cochlospermum regium (Bixaceae) is a medicinal plant species native to the Brazilian savannah, known as the Cerrado. Local communities use its roots to treat infections of the female reproductive system. This study evaluated how seasonality, phenological stage, geographical location, plant age, and plant cultivation substrate affect the antimicrobial activity of Cochlospermum regium roots against Candida albicans. Although the plant displayed antimicrobial action in all the assayed conditions, the roots collected during fall and winter inhibited C. albicans the most effectively. The geographical location in which the plant material was found did not influence its biological response. Plant age and cultivation substrate did impact the biological response; those grown in sand showed fungicidal activity, while those grown in Cerrado soil fertilized with cow dung showed fungistatic activity during certain periods. The inner bark and core of the root were the main structures underlying the antimicrobial activity of Cochlospermum regium.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Inácio,Marielle Cascaes, Paz,Tiago Antunes, Bertoni,Bianca Waléria, Pereira,Ana Maria Soares
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Editora da Universidade Estadual de Maringá - EDUEM 2016
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1807-86212016000400467
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Summary:ABSTRACT. Cochlospermum regium (Bixaceae) is a medicinal plant species native to the Brazilian savannah, known as the Cerrado. Local communities use its roots to treat infections of the female reproductive system. This study evaluated how seasonality, phenological stage, geographical location, plant age, and plant cultivation substrate affect the antimicrobial activity of Cochlospermum regium roots against Candida albicans. Although the plant displayed antimicrobial action in all the assayed conditions, the roots collected during fall and winter inhibited C. albicans the most effectively. The geographical location in which the plant material was found did not influence its biological response. Plant age and cultivation substrate did impact the biological response; those grown in sand showed fungicidal activity, while those grown in Cerrado soil fertilized with cow dung showed fungistatic activity during certain periods. The inner bark and core of the root were the main structures underlying the antimicrobial activity of Cochlospermum regium.