All those results clearly indicate that the main BrCl-flav mechanism of action is related to membrane disruption followed by cell lysis. Hyphae and biofilm formation—two critical virulence factor of C. albicans—were investigated to better understand how BrCl-flav affects fungal cells. Both Candida virulence attributes are interlinked, contributing not only to the host tissue invasion but also to the evasion of host immunity . Our study revealed that BrCl-flav prevented both yeast to hyphal transition and biofilm formation. The effect was concentration dependent, increasing BrCl-flav concentrations resulting in an increased inhibitory activity. Moreover, the tested antifungal impaired plasma membrane organization, a cell structure which promotes also the virulence of the human fungal pathogen C. albicans highlighting BrCl-flav therapeutic potential. Biofilm formation also contributes to Candida antifungal resistance—a major problem faced by modern medicine. One solution could be the use of synergistic combinations of new molecules with traditional antifungals used in therapy to which Candida strains have already become resistant.
Flavonoids in combination with fluconazole have been shown to display remarkable synergistic antifungal effects and are considered as reliable compounds for antifungal drug research and development . In our study which involved a fluconazole resistant C. albicans clinical isolate, the MIC of fluconazole was 128-fold reduced in combination with BrCl-flav,suggesting an important synergistic antifungal activity. We have to emphasize also that a combination of BrCl-flav and fluconazole in lower concentrations compared with individual MIC values showed important fungicidal effect with total kill after 48 h of incubation.The structure and purity of the final compound have been established by NMR, MS, IR and elemental analysis. UV-Vis spectroscopy was employed to monitor the stability of BrCl-flav towards Sabouraud dextrose broth , RPMI 1640 and phosphate buffer saline . The tricyclic flavonoid proved to be stable over a time span equivalent to the performed tests.Developing countries are facing an increasing demand for protein and other nutrientrich foods. In this context, legumes can contribute as the most valuable source of nutrients and provide high-quality dietary proteins .
Legume plants have desirable characteristics such as an abundance of carbohydrates, the ability to lower serum cholesterol, high fiber, a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and long shelf life. In addition to B complex vitamins such as folate, thiamin, and riboflavin, minerals, and fiber, legumes are also major sources of proteins and calories . Furthermore, it is evidenced that sprouts are the richest source of proteins and other compounds of nutritional value compared to un-sprouted plants . Moreover, sprouts have also been associated with a variety of biologically active constituents with potential health benefits. During germination, metabolic enzymes are activated, which can lead to the release of some amino acids and peptides, and the synthesis or use of them can form new proteins. As a consequence, the nutritional and medicinal value might be enhanced by sprouting in legumes. Research has to be geared to exploit the sprouting of legumes and enhance their nutrition values to meet the nutritional requirements of the increasing population. The genus of Canavalia is considered the third largest family among flowering plants . It comprises approximately 50 species of tropical vines widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world . This genus was used traditionally as a food due to its nutritional significance.
Sridhar and Seena envisaged a comparative account of nutritional and functional properties of Canavalia species . Canavalia gladiata and Canavalia ensiformis are the common legume species having the potential to be a rich protein source, like edible legumes . Pharmacological effects of Canavalia gladiata are reported for cancer , allergies , antioxidants , and inflammation . Canavalia gladiata in complex with Arctium lappa extract is proposed to develop as a functional food for stimulating immunity . Similarly, the seeds of Canavalia ensiformis are a source of proteins with biotechnological importance including ureases and proteases . Processed seeds of Canavalia ensiformis are reported for enhanced antioxidant activity . Hence, Canavalia species are of high medical importance, and with proper seed priming with micronutrients and using other treatments nutritional and pharmacological values can be enhanced. Micronutrients are vital for plant growth because they act as a cofactor of the enzyme, take part in redox reactions, and have several other important functions . Furthermore, despite addition to the soil, micronutrient application using seeds improves the stand formation, advances phenological events, and increases yield and micronutrient grain contents . Like different micronutrients, molybdenum is very vital and essential for plants’ physiological functions. In plants with inadequate Mo, nitrates accrue in leaves, which then do not assimilate into proteins. In legumes, Mo serves an additional function: to help root nodule bacteria to fifix atmospheric nitrogen.