Styraxjaponoside A and B, Antifungal Lignan Glycosides Isolated from Styrax japonica S. et Z.

The antifungal effects and action mechanisms of styraxjaponoside A and B were investigated. Devoid of hemolytic effect, the compounds had significant effect against several human pathogenic fungal strains, with energy-independent manners. To understand the action mechanisms of the compounds, the flow cytometric analysis plotting the forward scatter and the side scatter, DiBAC(4)(3) staining and DPH fluorescence analysis were conducted. The results indicated that the actions of the compounds were dependent upon the membrane-active mechanisms. The present study suggests that styraxjaponoside A and B exert their antimicrobial effects via membrane-disruptive mechanisms.