Herbal Extracts with Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: In the era of antimicrobial resistance, fungal pathogens are not an exception. Several strategies, including antimicrobial stewardship programs and high throughput screening of new drugs are being implemented. Several recent studies have demonstrated effectiveness of plant compounds with antifungal activity. Objective: In this systematic review we examine the use of natural compounds as a possible avenue to fight fungal infections produced by Candida albicans, the most common human fungal pathogen. Method: Electronic literature searches were conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Science Direct limited to the 5 years. A total of 131 articles were included with 186 plants extracts evaluated. Results: Although the majority of the natural extracts exhibited antifungal activities against C. albicans (both in vivo and in vitro), the strongest antifungal activity was obtained from Lawsonia inermis, Pelargonium graveolens, Camellia sinensis, Mentha piperita, and Citrus latifolia. Conclusion: The main components with proven antifungal activities were phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, thymol, and flavonoids (specially catechin), polyphenols such as tannins, terpenoids and saponins. The incorporation of nanotechnology enhances greatly the antifungal properties of these natural compounds. Further research is needed to fully characterize the composition of all herbal extracts with antifungal activity as well as the mechanisms of action of the active compounds.

Exploring New Sources of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Western Balkan Mountains

“…The amount of chlorogenic acid in leaf extract was presumably responsible for its effect against S. aureus , because chlorogenic acid can inhibit the sortase A enzyme in this bacterium [ 45 ]. In contrast, high amounts of catechin in the bark were presumably responsible for its effect against C. albicans , as recorded by previous studies [ 46 , 47 ]. Interestingly, a similar composition was recorded for extracts from old branches, but no antimicrobial activity was recorded.…”

Exploring the Antifungal Activity and Action of Saussurea costus Root Extracts against Candida albicans and Non-albicans Species

“…with current extract phytochemicals provided potential modes of action for destructing and deforming yeast cells. However, from the proposed anticandidal actions of plant derivatives are the restraint of yeast biofilm formation and hyphal transition as well as the inhibition of (1,3)-β-D-glucan synthase (1,3)-β-D-glucan biosynthesis, forming channels with membranes ergosterol that cause leakage of cytoplasmic components, induction of cell wall deficiency and instability, and obstructing the biosynthesis of cell structural components (e.g., sphingolipids, mannoproteins and chitin) and pores' formation in the yeast bilayer membranes [43,44]. Generally concluded, the phytochemicals anticandidal actions are mostly membranes-and walls-active mechanisms [43].…”

Comparative Analysis Of Chemical Constituent And Antimicrobial Potential Of Acorus Calamus Linn (Sweet Flag) In The Different Geographical Regions Of North Himalayas

“…β-asarone is neuroprotective, antipyretic, antitumor, and analgesic. It has been shown to have effective antifungal activity against M. grisea and C. orbiculare infections [5][6][7] . The sweet flag contains a high concentration of this component.…”