Invasive Candidiasis: A Promising Approach Using Jatropha Dioica Extracts and Nanotechnology

Abstract

Candida albicans, a common fungal organism, often lives harmlessly in the human body. However, under certain conditions, it can turn into a dangerous pathogen, causing infections that range from mild to life‐threatening. With rising resistance to antifungal treatments, understanding and controlling this opportunistic fungus has never been more crucial. This study highlights the potential of combining natural plant extracts, specifically the aqueous (JdextAq) and ethanolic (JdextEt) extracts of Jatropha dioica, with nanotechnology in the form of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) to combat this persistent pathogen. FTIR spectra revealed significant interactions between the metabolites and MNPs, specifically through binding to the Fe3+ and Fe2+ sites. The average size of the MNPs was 11±3 nm, and they are non‐toxic even at high concentration (500 μg/ml). The same effect is observed with JdextEt; however, JdextAq is cytotoxic at this concentration. The JdextAq‐MNPs hybrid is toxic even at very low concentrations (250–50 μg/ml). All materials demonstrated high inhibition against C. albicans. At safe concentrations for cell viability, MNPs (500 μg/ml) and JdextEt‐MNPs (500–50 μg/ml) achieved the highest inhibition rates of 97.13 % and 97.56 %, respectively. As antifungal resistance rises, these findings pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies against this opportunistic pathogen.