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Updated: Apr 11, 2026
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Inhibition of Candida albicans virulence by moscatin from Dendrobium nobile lindl
Bing Wang1, Huihui Tan2, Xiuyun Sun1
1Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
Abstract:
Candida albicans infection poses a significant global health threat. It is imperative to exploit new antifungal agents against C. albicans infections without leading to drug resistance, so that these potential agents can complement or combine with current medications to effectively treat diseases caused by C. albicans. We screened moscatin, and assessed the inhibitory effectiveness against C. albicans SC5314 on hyphae production and biofilm formation. It was revealed that moscatin exhibited significant effects on morphological transition and biofilm formation in C. albicans SC5314. It also lowered the pathogenicity of C. albicans SC5314 in a concentration-dependent way in both A549 cells and mice fungal infection models, but had no cytotoxicity to A549 cells. In addition, moscatin attenuated the virulence of clinical fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and exhibited synergistic activity with fluconazole. It could also restore the composition and richness of the intestinal microbiota in mice infected by C. albicans. These findings indicate that these moscatin has great potential to be developed as a new therapeutic drug against C. albicans infection.
Insights
Moscatin effectively inhibits Candida albicans growth, biofilm formation, and pathogenicity. This novel antifungal agent shows promise against fluconazole-resistant strains and restores gut microbiota, offering a new therapeutic option.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Candida albicans infections present a major global health challenge.
- Emerging drug resistance necessitates novel antifungal therapies.
- Moscatin is investigated as a potential antifungal agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate moscatin's efficacy against Candida albicans.
- To assess its effects on hyphae production and biofilm formation.
- To determine its therapeutic potential against candidiasis.
Main Methods:
- Screening of moscatin for antifungal activity.
- In vitro assays on Candida albicans SC5314 morphology and biofilm.
- In vivo studies using A549 cells and mouse models.
- Assessment of synergistic effects with fluconazole.
- Analysis of intestinal microbiota composition.
Main Results:
- Moscatin significantly inhibited C. albicans morphological transition and biofilm formation.
- It reduced pathogenicity in cell and animal models without cytotoxicity.
- Moscatin demonstrated efficacy against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans.
- Synergistic effects with fluconazole were observed.
- Restoration of intestinal microbiota balance was noted.
Conclusions:
- Moscatin exhibits significant antifungal properties against Candida albicans.
- It possesses potential as a therapeutic agent for candidiasis, including drug-resistant forms.
- Moscatin may offer a complementary or alternative treatment strategy.
