Treatment Of Cutaneous Candidiasis Research Articles

In vivo Antifungal Efficacy and Safety of Natural Compounds for Topical Treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis

In vivo toxicity and antifungal therapeutic evaluation of selected natural compounds for topical applications was analyzed using standard methods. The natural compounds, blue vitriol, brimstone, trona, alum, palm ash and black stone were hygienically selected and purchased at a local market in southeastern Nigeria. The test organisms were isolated from high vaginal swab specimens obtained from cases of cutaneous candidiasis. The isolates were identified based on their morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics. The toxicological screening of the test samples was done using Draize’ skin irritancy test, Murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) and necropsy. The in vivo evaluation of antifungal activity of the solutions was done using eight-week-old albino rats weighing 120g – 150g. The animals were infected with the Candida isolates percutaneously; and treated using various formulations of the natural compounds. The skin sections were carefully observed for histopathological changes, before and after treatment. The total yeast counts of the infected skin tissues were also determined. The isolates include Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. Draize’ skin test and Murine local lymph node assay showed no observable skin irritancy reaction (P>0.05). The normal skin architecture of the infected animals was restored after 5 days of treatment with the test samples; while the total yeast count decreased from 108 CFU/mL to 102 CFU/mL. The findings have revealed that natural compounds are effective as well as non-toxic topically, in treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

Preparation and Evaluation of Fenticonazole Nitrate Loaded Topical Emulgel for the Treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis

Fenticonazole nitrate is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent possessing fungicidal, antiparasitic, and fungistatic activities. It is effective against various fungi, including Candida species, dermatophytes, and Trichomonas, which are associated with skin and vaginal infections. Emulgel systems have gained significant attention as topical drug delivery vehicles due to their ability to incorporate a wide range of therapeutic molecules, including both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. The primary objective of this study was to develop an emulgel formulation of fenticonazole nitrate for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis (cutaneous moniliasis). Conventional emulsions often face stability issues during manufacturing and storage, which can impact drug release patterns. To overcome these challenges, the emulsion was incorporated into a gel base to enhance stability. Emulgels offer significant advantages over traditional and newer vesicular systems, such as improved therapeutic efficacy, higher drug entrapment capacity, better physiological and biological compatibility, and enhanced stability. In this study, the primary oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion was prepared using a surfactant and co-surfactant mixture (3:1 ratio) incorporated with light liquid paraffin. After characterization and optimization, the final emulsion batch was mixed with the gelling agent HPMC K4M (1:1 ratio) to obtain the emulgel formulation. The optimized emulgel exhibited optimal drug release and satisfactory results in various evaluation parameters, making it a promising topical delivery system for fenticonazole nitrate in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis

In Vivo Evaluation of Miconazole-Nitrate-Loaded Transethosomal Gel Using a Rat Model Infected with Candida albicans.

Miconazole nitrate (MCNR), an antifungal drug, is used to treat superficial infections. The objective of the current study was to assess the antifungal effectiveness of MCNR-loaded transethosomal gel (MNTG) against Candida albicans in an in vivo rat model. The outcomes were compared with those of the miconazole nitrate gel (MNG) and marketed Daktarin® cream (2%) based on histopathological and hematological studies. The results of the skin irritation test revealed the safety profile of the MNTG. The MNTG demonstrated the greatest antifungal activity in the histological analysis and the visible restoration of the skin, and the rats revealed an apparent evidence of recovery. Compared to the untreated group, the treated group's lymphocyte and white blood cells counts increased, but their eosinophil counts decreased. In conclusion, MNTG exhibited the greatest antifungal activity, which might be connected to the improved skin permeability of the transethosome's nanosized vesicles. Therefore, it could be considered a promising carrier for topical usage and the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis. More clinical research needs to be performed in order to demonstrate its effectiveness and safe usage in humans.

Transdermal administration of farnesol-ethosomes enhances the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis induced by Candida albicans in mice.

Cutaneous candidiasis attributed to Candida infection is a prevalent condition that impacts individuals of all age groups. As a type of microbial community, biofilms confer benefits to host infections and mitigate the clinical effects of antifungal treatments. In C. albicans, the yeast-to-hypha transition and biofilm formation are effectively suppressed by farnesol through its modulation of multiple signaling pathway. However, the characteristics of farnesol such as hydrophobicity, volatility, degradability, and instability in various conditions can impose limitations on its effectiveness. Nanotechnology holds the potential to enhance the efficiency and utilization of this molecule. Treatment of farnesol-ethosomes by transdermal administration demonstrated a very remarkable therapeutic effect against C. albicans in infection model of cutaneous candidiasis in mice. Many patients suffering fungal skin infection will benefit from this study.

Formulation development and characterization of luliconazole loaded−mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MCM−48) as topical hydrogel for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis

The conventional formulation of luliconazole (LCZ) faces challenges such as poor solubility and limited skin retention upon application. Therefore, the focus of this research was to develop and characterize mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) that can effectively deliver luliconazole for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis fungal infection.The MSNs were optimized by central composite design and synthesized using the sol−gel method. Factors such as stirring time and surfactant ratio were varied to investigate their impact on particle size and Polydispersity index (PDI). Subsequently, the MSN surface was functionalized with both amine (positively charged) and phosphonate groups (negatively charged) using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3trihydroxysilyl propyl methylphosphonate (THMP).The efficacy of the optimized luliconazole−loaded MSNs was evaluated through various comparative studies, including in-vitro and in-vivo antifungal assessments, ex-vivo permeation and skin retention experiments, acute dermal irritation tests, and histopathological analysis. These evaluations were compared with the pure drug and a commercially available formulation.The optimized MSNs exhibited high porosity and spherical particle sizes ranging from 300 to 400 nm. They demonstrated excellent physical and chemical stability, indicating compatibility between the drug and the MSN structure. The successful loading of luliconazole into the nanopores of the MSNs was confirmed through Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) analysis.The luliconazole−loaded MSN (LCZ−MSN) gel exhibited a controlled release profile, sustaining drug release for up to 24 h. The solubility of the drug was 12 times higher compared to the free form, and the MSNs enhanced skin retention by six−fold compared to the pure drug. In an in-vivo cutaneous candidiasis rat model, the enhanced efficacy of the MSNs was evident, highlighting the potential of this innovative approach for controlled release and solubility enhancement of poorly soluble drugs, with no observed skin irritation.Overall, this research showcases the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a promising approach for controlled delivery and improved solubility of poorly soluble drugs like luliconazole, thereby addressing the challenges associated with conventional formulations and offering a novel strategy for treating cutaneous candidiasis fungal infection.

In vitro and in vivo characterization of Miconazole Nitrate loaded transethosomes for the treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis

This study aimed to fabricate Miconazole Nitrate transethosomes (MCZN TESs) embedded in chitosan-based gel for the topical treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis. A thin film hydration method was employed to formulate MCZN TESs. The prepared MCZN TESs were optimized and analyzed for their physicochemical properties including particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (%EE), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), deformability, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro release, skin permeation and deposition, skin irritation, antifungal assay, and in vivo efficacy against infected rats were evaluated. The optimized MCZN TESs showed PS of 224.8 ± 5.1 nm, ZP 21.1 ± 1.10 mV, PDI 0.207 ± 0.009, and % EE 94.12 ± 0.101 % with sustained drug release profile. Moreover, MCZN TESs Gel exhibited desirable pH, spreadability, and viscosity. Notably, the penetration and deposition capabilities of MCZN TESs Gel showed a 4-fold enhancement compared to MCZN TESs. Importantly, in vitro antifungal assay elaborated MCZN TESs Gel anti-fungal activity was 2.38-fold more compared to MCZN Gel. In vivo, studies showed a 1.5 times reduction in the duration of treatment MCZN TESs Gel treated animal group. Therefore, studies demonstrated that MCZN TESs could be a suitable drug delivery system with higher penetration and good antifungal potential.

A sustained‐release gel film based on chitosan for treating cutaneous candidiasis

AbstractHydrogels have been widely used in wound dressings owing to their biocompatibility and bacteriostatic properties. In this study, a chitosan‐citric acid gel film was prepared using chitosan as the raw material and citric acid as the acid solvent and cross‐linking agent. In addition, to increase the antibacterial effect of the gel film, ketoconazole/β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex was prepared by inclusion technology and added to the gel film to prepare a chitosan‐citric acid sustained‐release gel film loaded with ketoconazole/β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex for treating cutaneous candidiasis. The physical and chemical properties of the chitosan‐citric acid gel films were investigated using infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, water vapor transmittance test, thermal analysis, and swelling tests. Drug release, antibacterial, and toxicity tests of the chitosan‐citric acid gel film loading with ketoconazole/β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex were carried out in vitro. The composite film showed good sustained drug release behavior, antibacterial effects, and biocompatibility in vitro. These results support that the chitosan‐citric acid hydrogel has great potential as a gel wound dressing for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

Topical delivery systems containing clotrimazole for the management of candidiasis: Effect of different excipients and enhanced antifungal activity of nanovesicles

WHO classified Candida albicans as one of the four critical priority fungi for public health worldwide in 2022. Conventional topical formulations commercially available for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis are associated with low drug bioavailability at the infection site and the lack of a sustained therapeutic effect. The main objectives of this work were to develop new topical administration systems of clotrimazole (CLT) and study the influence of surfactants on the antifungal inhibitory efficacy. Therefore, the minimum concentration of CLT required to inhibit 50 % of growth (MIC50) was determined, obtaining a value of approximately 15 ng/mL. A non-ionic emulsion type 1, Beeler base cream, hydrogel and liposomes containing CLT were designed, prepared, characterized and their antifungal activity against C. albicans was tested. CLT loaded liposomes were small in size (102 nm), homogeneous (polydispersity index = 0.3) and uncharged (+0.07 mV), showing higher antifungal activity against C. albicans than that of the commercially available cream Canesten®. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of CLT was reduced in combination with surfactants such as Tween-80/Span-80 or Brij-S10. Sodium lauryl sulphate showed a fungicidal effect that disappeared when formulated as part of the Beeler base cream.

Naringenin-Capped Silver Nanoparticles Amalgamated Gel for the Treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis.

The current research was aimed to synthesize a phytomolecule, naringenin (NRG)-mediated silver nanoparticles (NRG-SNPs) to study their antifungal potential against Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Candida glabrata (C. glabrata). The NRG-SNPs were synthesized by using NRG as a reducing agent. The synthesis of NRG-SNPs was confirmed by a color change and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 425nm. Furthermore, the NRG-SNPs were analyzed for size, PDI, and zeta potential, which were found to be 35 ± 0.21nm, 0.19 ± 0.03, and 17.73 ± 0.92mV, respectively. In silico results demonstrated that NRG had a strong affinity towards the sterol 14α-demethylase. The docking with ceramide revealed the skin permeation efficiency of the NRG-SNPs. Next, the NRG-SNPs were loaded into the topical dermal dosage form (NRG-SNPs-TDDF) by formulating a gel using Carbopol Ultrez 10 NF. The MIC50 of NRG solution and TSC-SNPs against C. albicans was found to be 50µg/mL and 4.8µg/mL, respectively, significantly (P < 0.05) higher than 0.3625µg/mL of NRG-SNPs-TDDF. Correspondingly, MIC50 results were calculated against C. glabrata and the results of NRG, TSC-SNPs, NRG-SNPs-TDDF, and miconazole nitrate were found to be 50µg/mL, 9.6µg/mL, 0.3625µg/mL, and 3-µg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, MIC50 of NRG-SNPs-TDDF was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than MIC50 of miconazole nitrate against C. glabrata. The FICI (fractional inhibitory concentration index) value against both the C. albicans and C. glabrata was found to be 0.016 and 0.011, respectively, which indicated the synergistic antifungal activity of NRG-SNPs-TDDF. Thus, NRG-SNPs-TDDF warrants further in depth in vivo study under a set of stringent parameters for translating in to a clinically viable antifungal product.

Evaluation of cobalt nanoparticles suspension as antifungal agent in treatment of cutaneous candidiasis

Over the last ten years, nanomaterials have been extensively employed in the medical field and several essential industries. It is used mainly in developing novel antimicrobials as an alternative to conventional agents. This research emphasizes synthesizing cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) and testing their antifungal activity in treating cutaneous candidiasis.Cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) were synthesized from Cobalt Sulfate heptahydrate (CoSO4·7H2O) using hydrazine monohydrate as a reducing agent. The CoNPs suspension was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the field emission scanning electron microscope to determine the crystallographic and morphological properties and concentration of the produced CoNPs. The antifungal activity of the CoNPs suspension was confirmed in-vitro by the agar well diffusion method and in-vivo by treating an induced case of cutaneous candidiasis in Sprague Dawley rats as a model.The experimental results demonstrated that CoNPs suspension exhibited antifungal action in-vitro (on the plates) and that Candida albicans required a concentration of 9.4 ​μg/mL as the minimum inhibitory concentration. In contrast, data shows that the plate's inhibition zone improved due to increased CoNPs concentration in the prepared suspension. The in-vivo experiment shows complete healing of the skin lesion on day six for the rats' group treated with CoPNs suspension, and on day five in the rats' group treated with Nystatin. These results demonstrate that CoPNs suspension is effective in treating cutaneous candidiasis in Sprague Dawley rats; however, it is still less effective than Nystatin.

Development and Characterization of Fluconazole loaded Emulgel for the treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis

Development and Characterization of Fluconazole loaded Emulgel for the treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis

Optimized D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate/phospholipid self-assembled mixed micelles: A promising lipid-based nanoplatform for augmenting the antifungal activity of fluconazole.

Fluconazole (FLZ) is the most widely used antifungal agent for treating cutaneous candidiasis. Although oral FLZ has been proved to be effective, the incidence of side effects necessitates the development of an effective formulation that could surpass the pitfalls associated with systemic availability. Accordingly, this research aimed at developing a self-assembled mixed micelles topical delivery system to enhance the topical delivery of the drug. Self-assembled mixed micelles were developed using D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate and phospholipids and optimized using Box-Behnken design. The optimized formulation with minimized size was then tested in vivo for the antifungal activity against C. albicans in immunocompromised mice. Treatment with the optimized formulation led to decreased peripheral erythema as well as lesions due to fungal infection in comparison to raw FLZ loaded gel. Therefore, the developed formulation was found to be a promising vehicle for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

P029 Synergic effect of deferoxamine combined with fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant Candida Spp. through inhibited Cek1 MAPK signaling pathway

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ObjectivesThe opportunistic fungal infections represent an increasing threat to humans with the increase of immunocompromised patients, in which Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen. Though fluconazole (FCA) is still the first line choice to treat C. albicans infections, several limitations such as an increase in drug resistance compromised its clinical application. This study proposes a combination therapy of deferoxamine (DFO) and FCA to overcome C. albicans resistance.MethodsCheckerboard microdilution assay was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of DFO used alone and in combination with FCA against FCA-resistant Candida Spp. Spot assay and time-kill curves were used to investigate the cell viability and dynamic inhibitory effect. Hyphal formation was performed to investigate the underlying mechanism of DFO. Then, a murine model of cutaneous candidiasis was established to explore the in vivo synergistic activity of DFO and FCA.ResultsDFO combined with FCA showed synergistic antifungal activity against FCA-resistant C. albicans, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.25. Moreover, DFO combined with FCA significantly inhibited the activity of C. glabrata cells, which is naturally insensitive to antifungal drugs. The spot assay and time-kill curve assay indicated that DFO can turn the fungistasis activity of FCA into fungicidal activity. Hyphal formation study showed the inhibition of hyphal induction of C. albicans. DFO combined with FCA also significantly inhibited the expression of Cek1 MAPK signaling pathway-related genes (CEK1 and CPH1) and adhesion-related genes (ALS1). In vivo data showed DFO combined with FCA significantly reduced the pustule, CFU numbers, and inflammatory cell infiltration of skin tissue.ConclusionOur results suggest that DFO combined with FCA inhibited the transformation of yeast-hyphae through Cek1 MAPK signaling pathway, resulting in reduced infectivity and resistance of C. albicans in vitro and in vivo, which may provide a new option for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

Development of a Topical Amphotericin B and Bursera graveolens Essential Oil-Loaded Gel for the Treatment of Dermal Candidiasis.

The higher molecular weight and low solubility of amphotericin B (AmB) hinders its topical administration. The aim of this study was to incorporate Bursera graveolens essential oil into an AmB topical gel (AmB + BGEO gel) in order to promote the diffusion of the drug through the skin in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis. AmB + BGEO gel formulation was determined using a factorial experiment. Physical and chemical parameters, stability, in vitro release profile and ex vivo permeation in human skin were evaluated. In vitro antimicrobial activity was studied using strains of C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis. The tolerability was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models. AmB + BGEO gel presented appropriate characteristics for topical administration, including pH of 5.85, pseudoplastic behavior, optimal extensibility, as well as high stability and acceptable tolerability. In vitro release studies showed that the formulation releases the drug following a Boltzmann sigmoidal model. Finally, AmB + BGEO gel exhibited higher amount of drug retained inside the skin and lower Minimum Inhibitory Concentration than a formulation sans essential oil. Therefore, these results suggest that the incorporation of B. graveolens essential oil in the formulation could be used as strategy to promote a local effect in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

A Combination approach using Areca nut and Ketoconazole for Treating Cutaneous Candidiasis

Fungal infections caused by Candida are often associated with increasing rates of morbidity and mortality. It is a serious concern for patients with immunocompromised system. The resistance to Ketoconazole, a known antifungal agent is increasing at an alarming rate and a number of such cases have been reported in the recent years. In order to circumvent this problem, a study was carried out using ketoconazole-areca nut (Areca catechu L.) combination. When this combination was tested against Candida albicans, there was an increase in the antifungal activity of ketoconazole. The study can be explored further for the design of suitable topical formulations containing the above combination in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

Oleic Acid Vesicles as a new Approach for Transdermal Delivery of Econazole Nitrate: Development, Characterization, and In-vivo Evaluation in Wistar rats.

Cutaneous candidiasis is a deep-seated skin fungal infection that is most commonly observed in immunocompromised patients. This fungal infection is conventionally treated with various formulations like gels and creams which are having different side effects and least therapeutic efficacy. Hence, it becomes necessary to develop a novel carrier system for the treatment of this deep-seated skin fungal infection. Econazole nitrate is the most widely used antifungal for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis, therefore, in present research work we developed and evaluated econazole nitrate loaded oleic acid vesicles for treatment of cutaneous candidiasis through transdermal route. Econazole nitrate loaded oleic acid vesicles were prepared by thin-film hydration and characterized for drug entrapment, vesicle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), Fourier Transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Furthermore, the oleic acid vesicular gel was evaluated for ex-vivo skin permeation/retention and in-vitro and in-vivo antifungal activity in Wistar rats. Econazole nitrate loaded oleic acid vesicles showed high encapsulation of drug (74.76 ± 3.0%), acceptable size (373.4 ± 2.9 nm), and colloidal characteristics (PDI = 0.231 ± 0.078, zeta potential = -13.27 ± 0.80 mV). The oleic acid vesicular gel showed high skin permeation (Transdermal flux = 61.98 ± 2.45 μg/cm2/h), skin retention (35.90 ± 2.06%), in-vitro, and in-vivo antifungal activity compared to marketed cream (EcodermR) of econazole nitrate for a prolonged period of time (4 days). Developed econazole nitrate loaded oleic acid vesicles could be used effectively in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis with minimization of side effects of econazole nitrate with increased therapeutic efficacy.

Evaluation of the effect of the gold nanoparticles prepared by green ‎chemistry on ‎the ‏treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

Background and Purpose:Mineral nanoparticle synthesis via green chemistry is ‎considered a novel ‏procedure ‎that ‎has been introduced into some ‏‎‎industries and medical fields. This ‎paper aimed to focus on ‏synthesized gold ‎nanoparticles ‎‎‎‎(‎AuNPs‎) prepared via green chemistry and ‎their usage in the ‏treatment of cutaneous ‎candidiasis.‎‎Materials and Methods: This study was performed on the green synthesis of AuNPs using olive leaf extract as a reducing ‎agent‎. The ‎UV‎ visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy techniques ‎were used to detect ‏the concentration of the prepared AuNPs‎. ‎The agar gel diffusion method was used to test ‏the ‎antifungal activity of the ‎‎prepared AuNPs in vitro. ‏Antifungal efficacy of the AuNPs in vivo ‎was tested by the ‎induction of‎‎ cutaneous ‎candidiasis in mice‎.‎This research was conducted on four groups of mice‎. Groups 1 and 2 were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the AuNPs suspension ‎and ‏Nystatin ointment in the treatment ‎of clinical infection, respectively. Groups 3 ‎and ‎4 were the infected ‎and the non-infected control groups, respectively.‎Results: Based on the findings, the AuNP synthesis using olive leaves was ‎a suitable and ‎secure method. Moreover, it was found that the AuNPs concentration of 40.77 ng‏\\‏ml represented the minimum ‎inhibitory concentration for the ‎inhibition of the Candida albicans. The prepared AuNPs were more effective than Nystatin ‎in the ‏treatment ‎of cutaneous candidiasis.‎‎Conclusion: Preparation of AuNPs via green chemistry using olive leaves as a reducing ‎agent is a ‏safe ‎and easy procedure that can be performed to produce AuNPs. In this study, the AuNPs ‎displayed antifungal ‏activity ‏both in vitro and in vivo.‎

Dissolving microneedle-mediated dermal delivery of itraconazole nanocrystals for improved treatment of cutaneous candidiasis

The administration of conventional dosage forms of itraconazole (ITZ) for cutaneous candidiasis treatment is limited by its poor aqueous solubility and the deep location ofCandida albicans(CA) in this disease. In the present work, we developed a nanocrystal (NC) form of ITZ, which was incorporated into dissolving microneedles (MNs) to facilitate skin delivery of ITZ into the infection site. The NCs were prepared by media milling with an ultra-small-scale device using Pluronic®F127 as a stabiliser. The antifungal activity of ITZ was enhanced by NC formulations (MIC value of 2.5 μg/ml), compared to a coarse dispersion of ITZ (MIC value of >2560 μg/ml). The formulation of ITZ into NCs increased dissolution rate by 3-fold. Furthermore, the dissolving MNs containing ITZ-NCs exhibited better dermatokinetic profiles, compared to needle-free patches and conventional creams containing ITZ-NCs. Importantly, the antifungal activity in anex vivocandidiasis infection model exhibited that the CA viability declined by up to 100% after 48 h of administration. These studies have verified the concept that the incorporation of ITZ-NCs into dissolving MNs can offer an effective approach for cutaneous candidiasis treatment.

In-vitro and in-vivo anticandidal activity of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) sprague seeds ethanolic extract and thymol-containing hexanes fraction

Candida albicans is the causative agent of candidiasis in immunocompromised and diseased individuals. The current study was designed to evaluate the antifungal activity of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague seeds ethanolic extract and hexanes fraction against Candida albicans, both in-vitro and in-vivo. The minimal inhibitory concentration of hexanes fraction was found to be 225 μg/mL, as compared to the standard drug amphotericin B (200 μg/mL). For the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis in BALB/c mice model, the extract and fraction containing ointment was topically applied on flank of mice at various concentrations, and 90–100% recovery in mice was observed which was better than the standard drug, clotrimazole. The GC/MS analysis of hexanes extract indicated the presence of three major components, including (43.91%), O-cymene (25.53%), and γ-terpinene (22.64%). The results showed that T. ammi possess potential antifungal effect, and can be used for the development of novel antifungal agents after further pre-clinical and clinical trials.

Development of new dermatological formulations for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis

The inhibitory activity of the essential oils (EO) of mint and thyme on Candida albicans are well known, however, their valorization in a dosage form for the management of cutaneous candidiasis has been little explored. This study aimed to formulate innovative and cost-effective dermatological topicals based on mint and thyme essential oils for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis. Thyme essential oil was obtained commercially, while that of mint was obtained by hydrodistillation. In order to determine their antifungal activity, both essentials oils were tested alone and in combination against a reference strain of Candida albicans (strain MHMR) and clinical strains of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Three creams were formulated using natural (shea butter, palm oil) and chemical (cetomacrogol) excipients. The efficacies of these creams were assessed in vivo using Wistar rats infected with Candida albicans MHMR. The in vitro antimicrobial study showed that C. albicans MHMR was more sensitive to thyme essential oil with a MIC of 310 μgmL−1, which was higher than the reference fluconazole used for the in vitro study (32 μgmL−1). The antimicrobial synergy study of both essential oils using checkerboard test demonstrated an additive effect of mint and thyme essential oils on C. albicans MHMR. GC/FID and GC/MS analyses led to the identification of thymol and menthol respectively as the main components of thyme and mint essential oils. A shea butter cream base and a shea butter and palm oil cream both containing 5% of EO (mint and thyme) exhibited the best in vivo antimicrobial activities, inducing optimal wound healing in infected rats compared with ketoconazole commercial cream used for the in vivo study. These results provide a solid basis at least in part, for the use of essential oil in creams formulated with natural excipients for the management of cutaneous candidiasis.