Antifungal metabolites, their novel sources, and targets to combat drug resistance

Abstract

Excessive antibiotic prescriptions as well as their misuse in agriculture are the main causes of antimicrobial resistance which poses a growing threat to public health. It necessitates the search for novel chemicals to combat drug resistance. Since ancient times, naturally occurring medicines have been employed and the enormous variety of bioactive chemicals found in nature has long served as an inspiration for researchers looking for possible therapeutics. Secondary metabolites from microorganisms, particularly those from actinomycetes, have made it incredibly easy to find new molecules. Different actinomycetes species account for more than 70% of naturally generated antibiotics currently used in medicine, and they also produce a variety of secondary metabolites, including pigments, enzymes, and anti-inflammatory compounds. They continue to be a crucial source of fresh chemical diversity and a crucial component of drug discovery. This review summarizes some uncommon sources of antifungal metabolites and highlights the importance of further research on these unusual habitats as a source of novel antimicrobial molecules.

Emerging strategies and therapeutic innovations for combating drug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains: A comprehensive review

“…The naturally occurring antibiotics derived from various sources, such as medicinal plants, microorganisms, fungi, marine organisms, Actinomycetes, essential oils, and endophytic microorganisms, form a diverse array of potential antibacterial agents with the capacity to combat resistant infections [243]. Among medicinal plants, extracts from garlic ( Allium sativum ) and turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) contain allicin and curcumin, respectively.…”

Natural Compounds of Fungal Origin with Antimicrobial Activity—Potential Cosmetics Applications

“…This pursuit is driven by the increasing resistance of Candida species to traditional antifungal drugs, prompting the search for alternative resources. The antifungal activity of substances produced by fungi is attributed to both high-molecular-weight compounds such as proteins and peptides, as well as low-molecular-weight compounds, including terpenes (sesquiterpenes), steroids, and organic acids [ 9 ]. Numerous studies conducted in this field involve screening extracts derived from fungal materials [ 92 ].…”

“…Currently, researchers are looking for compounds of natural origin whose application could be considered in aspects of global problems. One of these is microbial drug resistance [ 8 , 9 ].…”

The Cave Ecosystem in the Research of New Antibiotic Discovery and Development

“…and Penicillium sp., lanthipeptides, polymyxin B, paenicidin B, fusaricidin, tridecaptin and colistin A by Paenibacillus, lipids, etc. [14].…”

“…Antifungal drug development is a particular challenge, as fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms and must be treated selectively, without causing damage to the eukaryotic human organism [14]. Metabolites from cave bacteria could provide the solution to this problem.…”