Antifungal potential of plant-based extracts against Candida species: values, safety concerns, and possible applications
Open Access
- 29 March 2025
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Nature in Phytochemistry Reviews
- Vol. 24 (6) , 5801-5844
Abstract
Fungal infections have emerged as a significant global health concern, with Candida species, opportunistic yeasts living symbiotically in various parts of the human body, playing a major role in pathogenic invasions. The overuse and inappropriate application of conventional antifungal drugs have contributed to frequent treatment failures and the alarming rise of drug-resistant strains, prompting a growing interest in exploring naturally derived alternatives. Plants, known for their therapeutic properties throughout history, are currently being investigated as potential agents for combating fungal diseases, including Candidiasis infections. This review compiled and examined findings from both in vitro and in vivo studies conducted over the past decade, evaluating the antifungal effectiveness of plant-derived extracts against various Candida species. The results were summarized in detailed tables and discussed comprehensively. Additionally, this review addressed the safety considerations and assessment of these herbal remedies and highlighted the necessity for further extensive research in this promising and expanding area.Keywords
Funding Information
- Qatar National Research Fund (ARG01-0531-230424)
- Qatar National Library
This publication has 220 references indexed in Scilit:
- A One Health approach to overcoming fungal disease and antifungal resistanceWIREs Mechanisms of Disease, 2023
- In vitro antifungal activity of Shikonin against Candida albicans by inducing cellular apoptosis and necrosisMolecular Biology Reports, 2022
- Potential of Desert Medicinal Plants for Combating Resistant Biofilms in Urinary Tract InfectionsApplied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2022
- Pesticide residues in various environmental and biological matrices: distribution, extraction, and analytical proceduresEnvironment, Development and Sustainability, 2021
- Mechanism of Candida pathogenesis: revisiting the vital driversEuropean Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2020
- Heavy Metal Levels and Mineral Nutrient Status in Different Parts of Various Medicinal Plants Collected from Eastern Mediterranean Region of TurkeyBiological Trace Element Research, 2019
- Hepatotoxicity of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenesArchives of Toxicology, 2017
- Fucofuroeckol-A from edible marine alga Eisenia bicyclis to restore antifungal activity of fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicansJournal of Applied Phycology, 2017
- Natural product discovery: past, present, and futureJournal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2016
- A Fraction Containing Kaempferol‐3,4′‐dimethylether from Larrea divaricata Cav. Induces Macrophage Activation on Mice Infected with Candida albicansPhytotherapy Research, 2013