Abstract
Resistance of some Candida species to antimycotic agents is a public health threat, with new treatments a priority. Conifer Green Needle Complex (CGNC) is a pharmaceutical-grade complex substance from the green verdure of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies. Characterization of the chemical composition of CGNC (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/HPLC) showed resin acids (ca 20 %w/w), unsaponafiables, primarily terpenoid alcohols (ca 22% w/w), higher fatty acids (ca 10% w/w), bound acids (ca 11% w/w) and polyprenols (ca 2.5% w/w). Other significant components include phytosterols, carotenoids, chlorophyll derivatives, vitamin E acetate and vitamin K1. CGNC has high antioxidant activity. Preliminary results for antimycotic activity against clinical strains of Candida albicans, C. glabrata and C. krusei showed some Candida spp. were sensitive to CGNC, including fluconazole- and ketoconazole-resistant strains. Antimycotic activity of CGNC should be investigated in larger studies.