previously shown to be responsible for causing invasive infections in human tissues
(Carneiro et al. 2020). The mechanism can be associate with membrane potential
across cell wall and disrupt ATP assembly, leading to cell wall damage. Essential
oils can also disintegrate mitochondrial membrane interfering with the electron
transport system (ETS) pathway (Tariq et al. 2019). Several species of Asteraceae
are producers of essential oil of commercial importance. The genus Baccharis is
represented by more than 500 species, distributed predominantly in South America.
In Brazil, 120 species are described, distributed in greater concentration in the
South Region of the country (Giuliano 2001). This genus produces many secondary
metabolites, and in general, the compounds that stand out the most are flavonoids
and terpenoids, especially monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes and triterpenes
(Trombin-Souza et al. 2017).
Recent studies have shown the biological activities of the Baccharis genus, such
as antioxidant (Zuccolotto et al. 2019), antiparasitic (Budel et al. 2018), cytotoxic
activity (Fukuda et al. 2006), as well as acts in inflammatory processes (Florão
et al.2012). A study carried out with Baccharis reticulata demonstrated an
antibiotic-modulating activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The best result was observed with the volatile oil in association with norfloxacin and gentamicin against the multiresistant strain of S. aureus. In addition,
the oil exhibited a synergistic effect for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
(Freitas et al. 2020). Evidence of in vitro synergism with MDR strains provides a
higher probability of successful in vivo therapy. Thus, these associations can be
useful in selecting the most promising combinations of antimicrobials for practical
therapy of severe bacterial infections.
Licania rigida Benth (known as “oiticica”), belongs to the Chrisobalanaceae
family and it is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. A study was carried
out with leaf ethanolic extract to evaluate the virulence factor associated with the
ability to form biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces in association with fluoconazole since its action on biofilms is described. The study demonstrated that
biofilms formed by Candida sp. isolated in acrylic resin discs reduced biofilm
formation. It is associated with the reduction of hydrophobicity mechanisms of the
cell surface, which reduce the aggregative potential and the formation of the biofilm
(Freitas et al. 2019).
These outcomes of the use of medicinal plants by different populations, a fact
that passes through generations, have highlighted species that present active principles of recognized clinical relevance, which in some cases have been transformed
into modern medicines. Successful therapeutic evidence observed from the daily
life of traditional or local communities has inspired pharmacological research, and
this forms the basis of the ethnobiological approach, which is guided by popular
practices and knowledge, consolidated through time, culture and history of several
people, contributing to the discovery of agents with therapeutic potential or even a
new drug, more specifically.
7 Antibacterial and Antifungal Plant Metabolites …
279
(Carneiro et al. 2020). The mechanism can be associate with membrane potential
across cell wall and disrupt ATP assembly, leading to cell wall damage. Essential
oils can also disintegrate mitochondrial membrane interfering with the electron
transport system (ETS) pathway (Tariq et al. 2019). Several species of Asteraceae
are producers of essential oil of commercial importance. The genus Baccharis is
represented by more than 500 species, distributed predominantly in South America.
In Brazil, 120 species are described, distributed in greater concentration in the
South Region of the country (Giuliano 2001). This genus produces many secondary
metabolites, and in general, the compounds that stand out the most are flavonoids
and terpenoids, especially monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes and triterpenes
(Trombin-Souza et al. 2017).
Recent studies have shown the biological activities of the Baccharis genus, such
as antioxidant (Zuccolotto et al. 2019), antiparasitic (Budel et al. 2018), cytotoxic
activity (Fukuda et al. 2006), as well as acts in inflammatory processes (Florão
et al.2012). A study carried out with Baccharis reticulata demonstrated an
antibiotic-modulating activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The best result was observed with the volatile oil in association with norfloxacin and gentamicin against the multiresistant strain of S. aureus. In addition,
the oil exhibited a synergistic effect for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
(Freitas et al. 2020). Evidence of in vitro synergism with MDR strains provides a
higher probability of successful in vivo therapy. Thus, these associations can be
useful in selecting the most promising combinations of antimicrobials for practical
therapy of severe bacterial infections.
Licania rigida Benth (known as “oiticica”), belongs to the Chrisobalanaceae
family and it is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. A study was carried
out with leaf ethanolic extract to evaluate the virulence factor associated with the
ability to form biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces in association with fluoconazole since its action on biofilms is described. The study demonstrated that
biofilms formed by Candida sp. isolated in acrylic resin discs reduced biofilm
formation. It is associated with the reduction of hydrophobicity mechanisms of the
cell surface, which reduce the aggregative potential and the formation of the biofilm
(Freitas et al. 2019).
These outcomes of the use of medicinal plants by different populations, a fact
that passes through generations, have highlighted species that present active principles of recognized clinical relevance, which in some cases have been transformed
into modern medicines. Successful therapeutic evidence observed from the daily
life of traditional or local communities has inspired pharmacological research, and
this forms the basis of the ethnobiological approach, which is guided by popular
practices and knowledge, consolidated through time, culture and history of several
people, contributing to the discovery of agents with therapeutic potential or even a
new drug, more specifically.
7 Antibacterial and Antifungal Plant Metabolites …
279