The use of medicinal plants to combat mycoses is a common practice in rural communities, and, in this context, the aim of this study was to analyze the sensitivity of clinical isolates of C. neoformans in relation to aqueous crude extracts and antifungal agents of hospital use using the disc diffusion technique. These natural products were obtained from medicinal plants popularly used empirically by backland communities in Sergipe, Brazil. The aqueous crude extracts of Ziziphus joazeiro Mart., Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul., Bumelia sartorum Mart. and Hymenaea courbaril L. were analyzed. From the Ziziphus joazeiro Mart., we tested the extract prepared from the infusion of the inner bark and the decoction of the leaf. From the Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul., the extract used was prepared from the infusion of the leaves. From Bumelia sartorum Mart., the extract used was prepared from the decoction of the bark, and from the Hymenaea courbaril L. we prepared the extract from the maceration of the inner bark. All these natural products were subjected to the following treatments: exposure to ultraviolet light or not and autoclaving (121°C for 10minutes). Amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, miconazole and ketoconazole were tested. All aqueous crude extracts showed antifungal activity against all clinical strains of Cryptococcus neoformans. The treatment that underwent autoclaving and exposure to ultraviolet light showed better results for antifungal action. The treatment with autoclaving of the aqueous crude extract statistically prevailed with the best results. There is the need to perform some treatments using these natural products based on the tested medicinal plants for better antifungal activity against this pathogenic yeast so they become more effective. In the antifungal susceptibility test performed, it was demonstrated that the yeast had worrying resistance to fluconazole and itraconazole by the disc diffusion method. FOr further knowledge on this resistance profile, there is the need of tests with greater accuracy, such as the microdilution test. To do so, susceptibility testing must be standardized when there is the use of natural products derived from medicinal plants, in addition to the provision of alternative uses by patients affected by this yeast, providing scientific data demonstrating the use and action of the natural products and medicinal plants of wide use in Sergipe, Brazil.
pathogenic yeasts; disc diffusion; Brazilian northeast backland; natural products
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