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A Comparative Review of Eugenol and Citral Anticandidal Mechanisms: Partners in Crimes Against Fungi
Zinnat Shahina1, Tanya E S Dahms1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada.
Abstract:
Candida albicans is an emerging multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen that causes candidiasis, superficial infections on the mucosa, nails or skin, and life-threatening candidemia in deep tissue when disseminated through the bloodstream. Recently, there has been a sharp rise in resistant strains, posing a considerable clinical challenge for the treatment of candidiasis. There has been a resurged interest in the pharmacological properties of essential oils and their active components, for example, monoterpenes with alcohol (-OH) and aldehyde (-CHO) groups. Eugenol and citral have shown promising in vitro and in vivo activity against Candida species. Although there is substantial research on the efficacy of these essential oil components against C. albicans, a detailed knowledge of their mycological mechanisms is lacking. To explore the broad-spectrum effects of EOs, it is more meaningful and rational to study the whole essential oil, along with some of its major components. This review provides a comprehensive overview of eugenol and citral anticandidal and antivirulence activity, alone and together, along with the associated mechanisms and limitations of our current knowledge.
Insights
Essential oils like eugenol and citral show promise against drug-resistant Candida albicans. Further research is needed to fully understand their antifungal mechanisms and clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Candida albicans is a growing multidrug-resistant pathogen causing various infections.
- Rising resistance necessitates novel therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antifungals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anticandidal and antivirulence activities of eugenol and citral.
- To elucidate the mycological mechanisms of action for these essential oil components.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on eugenol, citral, and Candida albicans.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo efficacy data.
- Examination of proposed mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Eugenol and citral exhibit significant in vitro and in vivo activity against Candida species.
- Combined use of eugenol and citral may enhance efficacy.
- Detailed understanding of their precise mycological mechanisms remains incomplete.
Conclusions:
- Eugenol and citral represent potential therapeutic agents against Candida infections.
- Further research is crucial to fully understand their mechanisms and optimize clinical use.
