Characterisation of the antifungal effects of a plant-based compound, CIN-102, on the main septal filamentous fungi involved in human pathology.

OBJECTIVES

Today, the increase of invasive fungal infections and the emergence of resistant strains are observed in medical practice. New antifungals are expected, and the plant world offers a panel of potentially active molecules. CIN-102 is a mixture of seven different compounds of plant origin developed from the formulation of cinnamon essential oil.

METHODS

The in vitro activity of CIN-102 was characterised against Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp. and Scedosporium spp. by studying the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), inoculum effect, germination inhibition, fungal growth, post-antifungal effect (PAFE) and synergy.

RESULTS

MICs determined for the three genera followed a unimodal distribution and their mean values ranged from 62-250 μg/mL. CIN-102 demonstrated an inoculum effect similar to voriconazole and amphotericin B, 100% inhibition of spore germination and a PAFE.

CONCLUSION

CIN-102 has significant activity against filamentous fungi involved in human pathologies and should be further explored as a potential new treatment. Other studies regarding its mechanisms of action as well as animal investigations are awaited.