Conventional Antifungal Agents Research Articles

Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exhibit antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and other filamentous fungi.

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis are often resistant to treatment with conventional antifungal agents and have a high mortality rate. Additionally, effective antifungal treatment is hindered by drug toxicity, given that both fungal and human cells are eukaryotic, and antifungal agents are also likely to act on human cells, resulting in adverse effects. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents specifically targeting fungi is challenging. This study demonstrated the antifungal activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells against various Aspergillus spp. and several Mucorales in vitro and discussed the mechanism underlying their antifungal activity. We indicate that adoptive immunotherapy using Vγ9Vδ2 T cells may offer a new therapeutic approach to IA.

Inhibitory Effects of Endemic Thyme's Thymol-Carvacrol Chemotype Essential Oil on Aspergillus Species with Free Radical Scavenging Properties.

There is a burgeoning focus on utilizing the antifungal and antioxidant properties of essential oils derived from various plants as a modern and natural approach to combat the growth of fungi that contaminate food. In this study, we used essential oils extracted from Thymus daenensis Celak. subsp. daenensis to address three mycotoxin-producing species of Aspergillus, specifically A. flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. niger, all of which are recognized contaminants of food and agricultural products. Concurrently, the antioxidant properties of the essential oils were evaluated, revealing their noteworthy role in the antifungal activity. Essential oils were derived from T. daenensis subsp. daenensis was observed to have a significant inhibitory effect on all three species of Aspergillus, as evidenced by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 575 to 707 ppm and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 237 to 280 ppm. These results confirm the strong antifungal activity of the essential oils. Furthermore, the essential oil exhibited free radical scavenging activity, resulting in an EC50 value of 37.1 μg/ml. In summary, T. daenensis subsp. daenensis essential oil demonstrated a competitive advantage over other similar plants and synthetic antibiotics. This indicates the promising potential of this essential oil as a natural antifungal agent to control Aspergillus growth and mycotoxin contamination. It offers an alternative or complementary approach to conventional antifungal agents and could be a valuable addition to the arsenal of natural remedies to address fungal contamination in food and agricultural products.

Synergistic potential of α-Phellandrene combined with conventional antifungal agents and its mechanism against antibiotic resistant Candida albicans

Candida albicans is resistant to various antifungal drugs, this presents a significant problem on a global scale. This study investigates a novel approach on the potential fungicidal effects of α-Phellandrene combinations with fluconazole and amphotericin B against antibiotic resistant C. albicans. The agar well diffusion experiment was used to measure the anti-candida activity of α-Phellandrene which exhibited a zone of inhibition of 24 ± 0.5 mm and 22 ± 0.5 mm against the C. albicans cells (MTCC277 and ATCC90028), respectively. Additionally, the fungicidal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged 0.0312–0.0156 mg/ml (w/v) against C. albicans strains. It was determined to have powerful and efficient antifungal action against Candida cells. Further, the synergistic potential was evaluated by employing a time kill assay and a checkerboard technique, respectively, which revealed after 16 h, the colony count of C. albicans cells ATCC90028 (2.56 ± 0.33) and MTCC277 (2.53 ± 0.33) dropped by a log10 when treated with a combination of α-Phellandrene and Fluconazole and α-Phellandrene and amphotericin B exhibited synergy against both C. albicans strains ATCC90028 and MTCC277 (2.42 ± 0.28 and 2.00 ± 0.21) log10 reduction in colony count, respectively, Additionally, 16–624-fold increase in the antifungal efficacy of clinical medicines, with total cell death occurring after 16 h. α-Phellandrene and antifungal drugs were tested in combination with the osmoprotectant test, ergosterol test and FESEM observations to determine their modes of action. In the era of multidrug-resistant diseases antibiotic resistance can be curtailed in its tracks with the help of combination treatments that allow for lower drug doses.

Evaluation of Boerhavia diffusa and Eichhornia crassipes plant extracts in vitro as potential antifungal agents against human pathogenic fungi Candida albician and Candida tropicalis : A comparative study

Plant extracts are used to make herbal remedies with no side effects and little expense. During the COVID-19 pandemic, fungal species responsible for mucormycosis were found resistant to a variety of antifungals, including flucytosine, ketoconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole and echinocandins, due to their variable susceptibility. Amphotericin B is widely used as an antifungal agent due to its high inhibition capacity against various fungi. The present study aimed to compare the antifungal potential of Amphotericin B and herbal extract in vitro. The experiment was designed to measure zones of inhibition with the help of well-diffusion method. Four solvents, viz. methanol, chloroform, hexane and distilled water, were used to extract plant extract. The efficiency of plant extracts was found to be low compared to Amphotericin B (1.4mm). Chloroform extract of Boerhavia diffusa was found antifungal against Candida albician and C. tropicalis (0.45mm). Methanol and hexane extract of Eichhornia crassipes showed higher antifungal activity (1.35mm) and (1.75mm), respectively. The plant extracts also showed significant antifungal activity against C. tropicalis, revealing its potential to be used as a natural antifungal agent (1.1mm). Additionally, the findings showed that the chloroform and methanol extracts of B. diffusa and E. crassipes were also efficient against C. albician and C. tropicalis. The findings provide important insights about using plant extracts as a potential alternative to conventional antifungal agents.

Anticandidal effectiveness of greenly synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles against candidal pathogens

Drug resistance of pathogenic candidal strains to conventional antifungal agents represents a significant health issue contributing to high morbidity worldwide. Hence, the aim of the current study focused on evaluating the antifungal and synergistic activities of the green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles formulated using Laurus nobilis leaf extract. The biogenic ZnONPs were hexagonal in shape with average particle size diameter of 37.98 nm and pure crystalline structure as detected by XRD data. The highest antifungal activity of biogenic ZnONPs was detected against Candida parapsilosis strain demonstrating relative inhibitory zone diameters of 17.13 ± 0.74 and 25.78 ± 0.47 mm, at the concentrations of 100 and 200 µg/disk, respectively. Moreover, the biogenic ZnONPs demonstrated the highest synergistic activity with clotrimazole antifungal agent against Candida glabrata followed by Candida auris strains. MTT assay revealed that the biogenic ZnONPs showed low toxicity demonstrating relative IC50 value of 774.45 µg/mL against normal lung fibroblast cells which further affirmed their biosafety for application. In conclusion, the bioinspired ZnONPs could be utilized for the formulation of effective antifungal agents against drug resistant candidal strains and also could be combined with antifungal agents to boost their antifungal efficiency.

Candida albicans and Antifungal Peptides.

Candida albicans, a ubiquitous opportunistic fungal pathogen, plays a pivotal role in human health and disease. As a commensal organism, it normally resides harmlessly within the human microbiota. However, under certain conditions, C.albicans can transition into a pathogenic state, leading to various infections collectively known as candidiasis. With the increasing prevalence of immunocompromised individuals and the widespread use of invasive medical procedures, candidiasis has become a significant public health concern. The emergence of drug-resistant strains further complicates treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Antifungal peptides (AFPs) have gained considerable attention as potential candidates for combating Candida spp. infections. These naturally occurring peptides possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including specific efficacy against C.albicans. AFPs exhibit several advantageous properties, such as rapid killing kinetics, low propensity for resistance development, and diverse mechanisms of action, making them promising alternatives to conventional antifungal agents. In recent years, extensive research has focused on discovering and developing novel AFPs with improved efficacy and selectivity against Candida species. Advances in biotechnology and synthetic peptide design have enabled the modification and optimization of natural peptides, enhancing their stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, several challenges must be addressed before AFPs can be widely implemented in clinical practice. These include optimizing peptide stability, enhancing delivery methods, overcoming potential toxicity concerns, and conducting comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies. This commentary presents a short overview of candidemia and AFP; articles and reviews published in the last 10years were searched on The National Library of Medicine (National Center for Biotechnology Information-NIH-PubMed). The terms used were C.albicans infections, antimicrobial peptides, antifungal peptides, antifungal peptides mechanisms of action, candidemia treatments and guidelines, synthetic peptides and their challenges, and antimicrobial peptides in clinical trials as the main ones. Older publications were cited if they brought some relevant concept or helped to bring a perspective into our narrative. Articles older than 20years and those that appeared in PubMed but did not match our goal to bring updated information about using antifungal peptides as an alternative to C.albicans infections were not considered.

Wild and partially synanthropic bird yeast diversity, in vitro virulence, and antifungal susceptibility of Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis strains isolated from feces.

Yeast complexes in the fecal samples of wild (Dendrocopos major, Picus viridis) and partially synanthropic (Bombycilla garrulus, Garrulus glandarius, Pica pica, and Pyrrhula pyrrhula) birds were studied in a forest ecosystem during winter. A total of 18 yeast species were identified: 16 ascomycetes and two basidiomycetes belonging to five subphyla of fungi: Saccharomycotina (15), Pezizomycotina (1), Agaricomycotina (1), and Pucciniomycotina (1). Most yeast species were found in the fecal samples of P. pyrrhula (Candida parapsilosis, C. zeylanoides, Debaryomyces hansenii, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Meyerozyma carpophila, M. guilliermondii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa); the lowest number of yeast species was observed in the feces of B. garrulus (C. parapsilosis, C. zeylanoides, Met. pulcherrima, and Rh. mucilaginosa). The opportunistic species of the genus Candida were found only in feces of partially synanthropic birds: C. parapsilosis was observed in the feces of B. garrulus, G. glandarius, P. pica, and P. pyrrhula; its relative abundance was 69.3%, 49.1%, 10.5%, and 1.1%, respectively; C. tropicalis was observed in the feces of P. pica and G. glandarius; its relative abundance was 54.6% and 7.1%, respectively. Strains of C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis isolated from the feces of partially synanthropic birds were evaluated for their susceptibility to conventional antifungal agents (fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B) and hydrolytic activity. A total of 160 strains were studied. Resistance to fluconazole was detected in 86.8% of C. parapsilosis strains and in 87% of C. tropicalis strains; resistance to voriconazole was detected in 71.7% of C. parapsilosis and in 66.7% of C. tropicalis strains, and the lowest percentage of resistant strains was detected to amphotericin B, 2.8% and 3.7% in C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis strains, respectively. Multiresistance was detected in one strain of C. parapsilosis isolated from P. pica feces and in one strain of C. tropicalis isolated from G. glandarius feces. Phospholipase and hemolysin activities in the strains of C. parapsilosis were low (mean Pz values of 0.93 and 0.91, respectively); protease activity was moderate (mean Pz value of 0.53). The ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes was higher in the isolated strains of C. tropicalis. The mean Pz values of phospholipase and hemolysin activities were moderate (mean Pz values of 0.63 and 0.60, respectively), whereas protease activity was high (mean Pz value of 0.32). Thus, wild and partially synanthropic birds play an important role in disseminating of various yeast species. These yeasts can enter the topsoil via feces and contribute to the formation of allochthonous and uneven soil yeast diversity in natural ecosystems. In addition, partially synanthropic birds can be vectors of virulent strains of opportunistic Candida species from urban environments to natural biotopes.

Perspective on receptor-associated immune response to Candida albicans single and mixed infections: implications for therapeutics in oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), commonly known as 'thrush', is an oral infection that usually dismantles oral mucosal integrity and malfunctions local innate and adaptive immunities in compromised individuals. The major pathogen responsible for the occurrence and progression of OPC is the dimorphic opportunistic commensal Candida albicans. However, the incidence induced by non-albicans Candida (NAC) species including C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei are increasing in company with several oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus gordonii, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. In this review, the microbiological and infection features of C. albicans and its co-contributors in the pathogenesis of OPC are outlined. Since the invasion and concomitant immune response lie firstly on the recognition of oral pathogens through diverse cellular surface receptors, we subsequently emphasize the roles of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ephrin-type receptor 2 (EphA2), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) located on oral epithelial cells to delineate the underlying mechanism by which host immune recognition to oral pathogens is mediated. Based on these observations, the therapeutic approaches to OPC comprising conventional and non-conventional antifungal agents, fungal vaccines, cytokine and antibody therapies, and antimicrobial peptide therapy are finally overviewed. In face of newly emerging life-threatening microbes (C. auris and SARS-CoV-2), risks (biofilm formation and interconnected translocation among diverse organs), and complicated clinical settings (HIV and oropharyngeal cancer), the research on OPC is still a challenging task.

High-efficiency fungal pathogen intervention for seed protection: new utility of long-chain alkyl gallates as heat-sensitizing agents.

Control of food-contaminating fungi, especially pathogens that produce mycotoxins, is problematic since effective method for intervening fungal infection on food crops is often limited. Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) chemicals, such as natural compounds or their structural derivatives, can be developed as antimicrobial agents for sustainable food/crop production. This study identified that long-chain alkyl gallates, i.e., octyl-, nonyl-, and decyl gallates (OG (octyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid), NG, DG), can function as heat-sensitizing agents that effectively prevent fungal contamination. Out of twenty-eight candidate compounds and six conventional antifungal agents examined, the heat-sensitizing capacity was unique to the long-chain alkyl gallates, where OG exhibited the highest activity, followed by DG and NG. Since OG is a GRAS compound classified by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), further in vitro antifungal studies were performed using OG. When OG and mild heat (57.5°C) were co-administered for 90 seconds, the treatment achieved > 99.999% fungal death (> 5 log reduction). Application of either treatment alone was significantly less effective at reducing fungal survival. Of note, co-application of OG (3 mM) and mild heat (50°C) for 20 minutes completely prevented the survival of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus contaminating crop seeds (Brassica rapa Pekinensis), while seed germination rate was unaffected. Heat-sensitization was also determined in selected bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Agrobacterium tumefaciens). Altogether, OG is an effective heat-sensitizing agent for control of microbial pathogens. OG-mediated heat sensitization will improve the efficacy of antimicrobial practices, achieving safe, rapid, and cost-effective pathogen control in agriculture/food industry settings.

Commentary: Current concepts, recent updates, and future treatment options for Pythium insidiosum keratitis.

Commentary: Current concepts, recent updates, and future treatment options for Pythium insidiosum keratitis.

Gel Formulations with an Echinocandin for Cutaneous Candidiasis: The Influence of Azone and Transcutol on Biopharmaceutical Features.

Caspofungin is a drug that is used for fungal infections that are difficult to treat, including invasive aspergillosis and candidemia, as well as other forms of invasive candidiasis. The aim of this study was to incorporate Azone in a caspofungin gel (CPF-AZ-gel) and compare it with a promoter-free caspofungin gel (CPF-gel). An in vitro release study using a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and ex vivo permeation into human skin was adopted. The tolerability properties were confirmed by histological analysis, and an evaluation of the biomechanical properties of the skin was undertaken. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis. CPF-AZ-gel and CPF-gel, which had a homogeneous appearance, pseudoplastic behavior, and high spreadability, were obtained. The biopharmaceutical studies confirmed that caspofungin was released following a one-phase exponential association model and the CPF-AZ gel showed a higher release. The CPF-AZ gel showed higher retention of caspofungin in the skin while limiting the diffusion of the drug to the receptor fluid. Both formulations were well-tolerated in the histological sections, as well as after their topical application in the skin. These formulations inhibited the growth of C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis, while C. albicans showed resistance. In summary, dermal treatment with caspofungin could be used as a promising therapy for cutaneous candidiasis in patients that are refractory or intolerant to conventional antifungal agents.

Screening and Evaluation of Potential Antifungal Plant Extracts against Skin Infecting Fungus Trichophyton rubrum

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,2,328-337.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.2.035Published:February 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Margret Kanimozhi A, and Caroline Rose J Author(s) affiliations:Margret Kanimozhi A1, Caroline Rose J2, * 1Department of Biotechnology, St. Jospeh’s College of Arts and Science for Women, Hosur, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. 2Department of Biotechnology, Arignar Anna Arts and Science College, Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. Abstract:Dermatophytosis is mainly caused by Trichophyton rubrum. The use of presently available conventional antifungal agents is limited due to various side-effects, requirement of long-term application, emergence of resistant organisms and cost-effectiveness. In the present study, methanolic extract of 12 medicinal plants was screened for antifungal activity against T. rubrum. To identify the phytochemicals in the extract qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed along with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). By analysing the samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the chemicals that were present were identified. Among the various plants studied, the methanolic extracts of Aegle marmelos leaves (AML-ME) and Pimpinella anisum seed (PMS-ME) showed high zone of inhibition of 16 and 22 mm, respectively. MIC of both the extracts was found to be 100 μg/ml. Some major compounds identified in AML-ME with alkaloids are N, N,-dimethyl-o-(1-methyl-butyl)-hydroxylamine, 13-tetradece-11-yn-1-ol (15.21%), n-hexadecanoic acid, Propanal, 2,3-dihydroxy-, (s)-(5.22%) and 1,3-butanediol, and in PAS-ME, hexamethylene chloroiodide, cyclopentene,3-hexyl, E-2-octadecadecen-1-ol, n-hexadecanoic acid and 2-cyclopentene-1-undecanoic acid, ethyl ester. Both AML-ME and PAS-ME showed dose-dependent in vitro antioxidant activity against the radicals such as DPPH and ABTS. Also, FRAP activity was found in both the extracts. Altogether, the presence of antifungal and antioxidant activity in the AML-ME and PAS-ME might be advantageous in exploring these extracts as either alternative or complementary therapy to the available antifungal agents further. The phytochemicals present in these extracts has acted synergistically against the T. rubrum and affected its viability. Keywords:Aegle marmelos, Antifungal activity, Bioactive compounds, Dermatophytosis., Pimpinella anisumView:PDF (419.79 KB)

Synergistic Anticandidal Activities of Greenly Synthesized ZnO Nanomaterials with Commercial Antifungal Agents against Candidal Infections.

The high occurrence of mycological resistance to conventional antifungal agents results in significant illness and death rates among immunodeficient patients. In addition, the underprivileged therapeutic results of conventional antifungal agents, besides the potential toxicity resulting from long term therapy necessitate the fabrication of efficient antimicrobial combinations. Hence, the objective of the present investigation is to synthesize, characterize and investigate the anticandidal action of green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) formulated using Camellia sinensis leaf extract against three candidal pathogens. The eco-friendly synthesized ZnO-NPs were characterized utilizing different physicochemical methods and their anticandidal potency was tested utilizing a disk diffusion assay. In this setting, the size of the biofabricated ZnO-NPs was detected using transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs, recording an average particle size of 19.380 ± 2.14 nm. In addition, zeta potential analysis revealed that the ZnO-NPs surface charge was -4.72 mV. The biogenic ZnO-NPs reveal the highest anticandidal activity against the C. tropicalis strain, demonstrating relative suppressive zones measured at 35.16 ± 0.13 and 37.87 ± 0.24 mm in diameter for ZnO-NPs concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/disk, respectively. Excitingly, Candida glabrata showed a high susceptibility to the biofabricated ZnO nanomaterials at both ZnO-NPs' concentrations (50 and 100 μg/disk) compared to the control. Moreover, the biosynthesized ZnO-NPs revealed potential synergistic effectiveness with nystatin and terbinafine antifungal agents against the concerned strains. The maximum synergistic efficiency was noticed against the C. glabrata strain, demonstrating relative synergistic percentages of 23.02 and 45.9%, respectively. The biogenic ZnO-NPs revealed no hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes revealing their biosafety and hemocompatibility. Finally, the high anticandidal effectiveness of biogenic ZnO-NPs against the concerned candidal pathogens, as well as potential synergistic patterns with conventional antifungal agents such as nystatin and terbinafine, emphasize the prospective application of these combinations for the fabrication of biocompatible and highly efficient antifungal agents.

In Vitro Assessment of Conventional and Plant-derived Antifungal Agents against Candida Species Prevalence

In Vitro Assessment of Conventional and Plant-derived Antifungal Agents against Candida Species Prevalence

Analysis of Mannose-Binding Lectin Protein Levels and their MIC Profile in Patients with Dermatophytosis.

Analysis of Mannose-Binding Lectin Protein Levels and their MIC Profile in Patients with Dermatophytosis.

Use of checkerboard assay to determine the synergy between essential oils extracted from leaves of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa and nystatin against Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is one of the most common pathogenic yeasts, responsible for causing candidiasis. The use of conventional antifungal agents for the treatment of Candida is reported to be less effective and hence alternative therapies for the treatment are needed. Essential oils of medicinal plants may serve as a strong candidate for natural products in modern therapies. The aim of this study was to determine the synergistic potential of essential oils extracted from leaves of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa and a potent antifungal agent, nystatin, against three clinical isolates of C. albicans using checkerboard assay. The antifungal activity of the essential oils of A. marmelos was screened against test cultures by disc diffusion technique. Antibiograms of the test organisms were developed. To determine the minimum fungicidal concentration of the essential oil and nystatin, the broth microdilution method was employed, and a checkerboard assay was used to investigate the synergistic potential of the essential oil and nystatin against the clinical isolates under study. The data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The Σ fractional inhibitory concentration values were calculated as 0.12, 0.37, and 0.28 for three different strains of C. albicans used, respectively, which was <0.5, therefore, the synergy was demonstrated between essential oils and nystatin against the test cultures. Combinatorial therapy of the essential oils extracted from the leaves of A. marmelos and nystatin may be considered a line of treatment for candidal infections.

Plant as an Alternative Source of Antifungals against Aspergillus Infections: A Review.

Aspergillus species consists of a group of opportunistic fungi that is virulent when the immunity of the host is compromised. Among the various species, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent species. However, the prevalence of fungal infections caused by non-fumigatus Aspergillus has been increasing. Polyenes, echinocandins and azoles are the three main classes of antifungal agents being used for the treatment of aspergillosis. Nevertheless, the incidence of resistance towards these three classes has been rising over the years among several Aspergillus spp. The side effects associated with these conventional antifungal agents have also limited their usage. This urges the need for the discovery of a safe and effective antifungal agent, which presents a major challenge in medicine today. Plants present a rich source of bioactive molecules which have been proven effective against a wide range of infections and conditions. Therefore, this present review intends to examine the current literature available regarding the efficacy and mechanism of action of plant extracts and their compounds against Aspergillus spp. In addition, novel drug delivery systems of plant extracts against Aspergillus spp. were also included in this review.

Photodynamic therapy-mediated hypericin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers against vulvovaginal candidiasis.

The indiscriminate use and adverse effects of the main conventional antifungal agents compromise the effectiveness of treating vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), mainly caused by the species Candida albicans. This study evaluated the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and the in vitro and in vivo anti-candida potential of the hypericin (HYP)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). Empty NLC and NLC-HYP were characterized by the dynamic light scattering technique and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate the average particle size distribution and its morphologies. The in vitro inhibition photodynamic effect of the systems was tested to reduce the planktonic viability of C. albicans. The therapeutic assay photodynamic of the systems was performed to treat VVC in mice. Empty NLC and NLC-HYP presented values of average hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, and ζ-potential from 136 to 133nm, 0.16 to 0.22, and -18 to -30mV, respectively, on day 30. Microscopically, the systems showed spherical morphologies and nanoscale particles. Furthermore, in the in vitro inhibition assay, the treatment of PDT with NLC-HYP (NLC-HYP+) showed a significant reduction of the C. albicans planktonic viability compared to YNB negative control after 5min of LED light irradiation. In the in vivo therapeutic assay, the antifungal group (vaginal antifungal cream) and NLC-HYP+ evaluated in the dark and by PDT, respectively, had a significant log10 reduction in fungal burden compared to the infected group on day 8 of the VVC treatment. Due to the in vitro and in vivo anti-candida potential, PDT-mediated systems can be an effective strategy in VVC therapy.

Antimicrobial Peptides with Anti-Candida Activity.

Mycoses are accountable for millions of infections yearly worldwide. Invasive candidiasis is the most usual, presenting a high morbidity and mortality. Candida albicans remains the prevalent etiologic agent, but the incidence of other species such as Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida auris keeps increasing. These pathogens frequently show a reduced susceptibility to commonly used antifungal drugs, including polyenes, triazoles and echinocandins, and the incidence of emerging multi-drug-resistant strains of these species continues to increase. Therefore, the need to search for new molecules that target these pathogenic species in a different manner is now more urgent than ever. Nature is an almost endless source of interesting new molecules that could meet this need. Among these molecules, antimicrobial peptides, present in different sources in nature, possess some advantages over conventional antifungal agents, even with their own drawbacks, and are considered as a promising pharmacological option against a wide range of microbial infections. In this review, we describe 20 antimicrobial peptides from different origins that possess an activity against Candida.

A Review of Antifungal Activity of Combined Plant Extracts or Plant Exudates from Medicinal Plants either together or with Known Antifungal Agents

Medicinal plants provide humanity with important phytochemical compounds and extracts which are widely used in treatment of many diseases. Fungal infections are one of these diseases which are widely distributed especially in developing countries; medicinal plants are extensively used in developing countries. There are few antifungal agents, most of them are expensive and have many adverse effects, also there is high incidence of drug resistance among some available antifungal agents, hence for these mentioned reasons many people, especially in developing countries, use medicinal plants (either alone, combined together or combined with known antifungal drugs) in treatment of many fungal infections. This rise a new and important issue about plant(s) – plant(s) and plant(s) - drug interactions.&#x0D; The aim of this review is to try to fill the gap in understanding the interactions of plant(s) - plant(s) and plant(s) – drug(s) combinations by providing an overview of some evidence-based researches done in this field, so our review highlights many interactions between medicinal plants constituents with current available antifungal agents, these interactions may be synergistic, additive, indifferent or antagonistic, so, if there is any antagonistic effect, we recommend to avoid using the combination which caused this effect. We collected a lot of studies which studied the interactions between plant(s) (including extracts, isolated active constituents, essential oils, plants latexes and other phytochemicals) used either together or with conventional antifungal agents. This will not only bring about better understanding of both phytochemicals and antifungal activity, but also may help in searching and developing new safely and effective drugs, specially with those combinations which showed synergistic effect.