Antifungal Compounds againstCandidaInfections from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Infections caused by Candida albicans, often refractory and with high morbidity and mortality, cause a heavy burden on the public health while the current antifungal drugs are limited and are associated with toxicity and resistance. Many plant-derived molecules including compounds isolated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are reported to have antifungal activity through different targets such as cell membrane, cell wall, mitochondria, and virulence factors. Here, we review the recent progress in the anti-Candida compounds from TCM, as well as their antifungal mechanisms. Considering the diverse targets and structures, compounds from TCM might be a potential library for antifungal drug development.

Phenolic and Nonpolar Fractions of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson Extracts as Virulence Modulators—In Vitro Study on Bacteria, Fungi, and Epithelial Cells

“…However, a recent bioinformatics approach identified a plethora of proteins not previously implicated in adhesion and needing experimental confirmation of their significance. Among known candida adhesins, there are numerous receptors for plasma ECM proteins and saliva, as well as those ligands found on the surface of host cells [ 22 , 23 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. We found the effect of inhibiting the formation of C. albicans biofilm by the components of SBT lipid fractions at low concentration (0.1 mg·mL −1 ) was poor, especially with respect to surfaces coated with collagen or with plasma.…”

Cellular apoptosis and necrosis as therapeutic targets for novel Eugenol Tosylate Congeners against Candida albicans

“…With the increasing interest of the use of medicinal plants and knowing the importance of medicinal chemistry, semi-synthetic natural compounds and derivatives have gained a tremendous attention to substitute or augment the current antimicrobial treatment regimens 21 . Modifying natural compounds to increase their efficacy, solubility, as well as to lower their side effects have been valued to discover novel drugs against various infectious diseases including candidiasis 22,23 .…”

Candida albicans cell wall as a target of action for the protein–carbohydrate fraction from coelomic fluid of Dendrobaena veneta

“…Natural sources have been very important candidates for the development of new drugs for many years. Compounds of natural origin are a source of various chemical structures often showing the desired biological activity 16 . They form a structurally privileged group in the process of binding to specific enzymes, receptors, or other binding sites and in this way show high affinity for structures found in living organisms.…”

“…Recently, more attention has been paid to the anti- C. albicans activity of drugs derived from plant extracts 15 . Traditional Chinese medicine based on the use of herbs for thousands of years can be very helpful in developing new antifungal agents and strategies for treatment of mycoses 16 . In the traditional medicine of the Far East, earthworms have occupied a special place as well.…”