rifampin and usnic-acid

(+)-Usnic acid, a product of secondary metabolism in lichens, has displayed a broad range of biological properties such as antitumor, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal activities. Interested by these pharmacological activities and to tap into its potential, we herein present the synthesis and biological evaluation of new usnic acid enaminone-conjugated 1,2,3-triazoles

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Bacillus subtilis; Benzofurans; Lichens; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Molecular Structure; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Triazoles

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has acquired resistance and consequently the antibiotic therapeutic options available against this microorganism are limited. In this scenario, the use of usnic acid (UA), a natural compound, encapsulated into liposomes is proposed as a new approach in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) therapy. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the encapsulation of UA into liposomes, as well as its combination with antituberculous agents such as rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) against MDR-TB clinical isolates. The in vitro antimycobacterial activity of UA-loaded liposomes (UA-Lipo) against MDR-TB was assessed by the microdilution method. The in vitro interaction of UA with antituberculous agents was carried out using checkerboard method. Minimal inhibitory concentration values were 31.25 and 0.98 µg/mL for UA and UA-Lipo, respectively. The results exhibited a synergistic interaction between RIF and UA [fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) = 0.31] or UA-Lipo (FICI = 0.28). Regarding INH, the combination of UA or UA-Lipo revealed no marked effect (FICI = 1.30-2.50). The UA-Lipo may be used as a dosage form to improve the antimycobacterial activity of RIF, a first-line drug for the treatment of infections caused by Mtb.

Topics: Antibiotics, Antitubercular; Benzofurans; Capsules; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Drug Synergism; Humans; Isoniazid; Liposomes; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Rifampin