Antifungal Compounds against Candida Infections from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Biomed Res Int. 2017:2017:4614183. doi: 10.1155/2017/4614183. Epub 2017 Dec 28.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Candida albicans / drug effects
  • Candida albicans / pathogenicity
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy*
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • Cell Wall / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal / genetics
  • Fluconazole / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Fluconazole