Antifungal coffee leaf extracts for candidiasis treatment
Explore the potential of Coffea arabica leaf extracts as an alternative antifungal treatment for vaginal candidiasis, leveraging phenolic compounds with proven antimicrobial properties to offer a natural solution to drug-resistant infections.
Overview
Coffea arabica leaf extracts are being investigated for their potential to serve as a natural alternative treatment for vaginal candidiasis. This research leverages the antimicrobial properties of phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, found in the leaves. With increasing drug resistance from conventional antifungal treatments, these bioactive compounds could provide a sustainable and effective solution to combat infections caused by Candida albicans.
Technical specifications
The research involves several extraction methodologies to isolate bioactive compounds from coffee leaves. The process includes hydrodistillation, hydroalcoholic percolation, and supercritical fluid extraction with CO2 and ethanol as a co-solvent. Extracts are then analyzed to identify polyphenols and alkaloids through phytochemical march, IR spectroscopy for functional group identification, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for compound profiling. InSilico assays and microbiological in vitro tests will assess the antifungal efficacy of these compounds.
Technology readiness level
The current technology readiness level is 3, indicating that analytical and experimental proof of concept has been established in a laboratory setting. Further development and validation are necessary to advance this research towards commercial application.
About Universidad Pedagógica Nacional
Universidad Pedagógica Nacional is a mid-sized public university in Bogotá and Colombia’s national institution for educator preparation, with a strong public-service orientation. Its research administration and extension services support co-funded work, applied studies, training, and partnerships with public agencies, schools, communities, and other organizations. The affiliated Instituto Pedagógico Nacional provides a school setting for practice and educational innovation, while multiple Bogotá sites support engagement with the capital’s education ecosystem. Research funding is connected primarily to Colombia’s Ministry of National Education and Minciencias, alongside institutional and partner-supported resources. An intellectual-property statute provides a formal basis for protecting and transferring knowledge.
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