ALTERNATIVE MODELS TO EVALUATE THE ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF PROPOLIS EXTRACT AS A POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR DERMATOMYCOSIS

Abstract

Dermatomycoses are fungal diseases that can affect the skin, hair and nails. The increase in resistance to antifungal drugs results in a demand for new drugs, with propolis being an alternative with diverse pharmacological properties. Studies using ex vivo and in vivo models confirm findings from traditional murine models, reinforcing scientific discoveries. The aim of this study was to use alternative models to evaluate the bioactivity of propolis glycol extract (PEG) as a possible treatment for dermatomycoses. The following dermatomycosis-causing fungi were used in this study: Candida albicans, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Firstly, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of PEG in total polyphenol concentrations (TPC) against fungi causing dermatomycoses were determined. Next, the lethal dose of propolis was determined in an in vivo model. Finally, infection and treatment were carried out in alternative ex vivo and in vivo models. As a result, the MIC ranged from 356.25 to 1,425 µg/mL of TPC, while the CFM ranged from 1,425 to 2,850 µg/mL of TPC. The DL25, DL50, DL75 and DL90 values were then determined: 1544.65 µg/ml, 2188.47 µg/ml, 2686.03 µg/ml and 2945.48 µg/ml of TPC, respectively. In an ex vivo model, PEG was applied topically, resulting in the inhibition of fungi, except C. albicans. However, in an alternative in vivo model, PEG administered systemically was not successful. It is concluded that in vitro evaluation plus the application of alternative models, PEG has potential topical therapeutic success for treating dermatomycoses.