In vitro studies with liposomal cryptolepine

The antifungal activity of cryptolepine when encapsulated in liposomes was compared with free cryptolepine. Multilamellar and unilamellar liposomes with positive and negative charge on their surface were prepared and extruded through polycarbonate membranes to obtain a liposome size of 400 nm. Cryptolepine liposomes were then tested in vitro for their antifungal activity against C. albicans, U. maydis and S. cerevisiae. Results showed that negatively charged cryptolepine liposomes were at least 2-4 times more active than free cryptolepine whereas positively charged liposomes were comparable to the activity of free cryptolepine. However, none of the liposome preparations were superior to amphotericin B in their antifungal activity.