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Aim: This study investigated the effect of terpinen-4-ol against Sporothrix schenckii complex and its interactions with antifungals. Materials & methods: The antifungal activity of terpinen-4-ol was evaluated by broth microdilution. The potential effect on cellular ergosterol concentration was evaluated by spectrophotometry. The antibiofilm activity was evaluated by violet crystal staining and XTT reduction assay. The potential pharmacological interactions with antifungals were evaluated by the checkerboard assay. Results: terpinen-4-ol (T-OH) showed minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 4 to 32 mg/l decreasing cellular ergosterol content and presented a SMIC ranging from 64 to 1024 mg/l for Sporothrix spp. The combinations of T-OH with itraconazole or terbinafine were synergistic. Conclusion: T-OH has antifungal activity against Sporothrix spp. and acts synergistically with standard antifungals.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on growth and melanin production by Cryptococcus spp. Materials & methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole against Cryptococcus spp. were determined and the effect of PPIs on melanin production was evaluated, in the presence or absence of copper sulfate or glutathione. Results: PPIs showed MICs ranging from 125–1000 μg/ml and decreased melanization by Cryptococcus cells. Addition of copper sulfate or gluthatione restored melanogenesis of cells grown in the presence of PPIs. The presence of PPIs and glyphosate decreased copper sulfate toxicity (1 mM). Conclusion: PPIs inhibited melanogenesis of Cryptococcus spp., possibly by chelating copper or inhibiting copper ATPase transport.