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Published on: February 14, 2018
A Multidisciplinary Approach for Developing a Natural Antifungal Formulation Targeting Oropharyngeal Candidiasis: A
Alaa T Rajkhan1, Odai I Medhesh2, Duaa Bafail2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Care, King Fahd General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), a fungal infection affecting the mouth and throat, imposes a substantial burden on vulnerable populations such as HIV/AIDS patients, cancer treatment recipients, and the elderly. Conventional antifungal medications are encountering increasing resistance and side effects, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches.
Objectives:
This review proposes a comprehensive strategy for developing a novel natural product- based antifungal formulation targeting OPC. The approach involves harnessing promising natural compounds with established antifungal properties and employing advanced delivery systems like mucoadhesive microemulsions to improve efficacy and minimize adverse effects. Additionally, the review explores the integration of computational methods to expedite the identification and development of potent antifungal agents.
Methods:
A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Search terms included combinations of "oropharyngeal candidiasis," "natural antifungal agents," "flavonoids," "mucoadhesive microemulsions," "computational drug discovery," and "in vitro/in vivo studies." Priority was given to studies published within the last ten years.
Results:
The review identifies promising natural compounds with antifungal activity against Candida species commonly associated with OPC. Additionally, several studies highlight the potential of computational tools such as molecular docking and in silico ADMET for rapidly identifying natural compounds with potent antifungal activity and favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. A brief overview of in vitro and in vivo experiments is provided, emphasizing their role in validating the safety and efficacy of the proposed natural product-based antifungal formulation. Formulation and analytical aspects are also discussed.
Conclusion:
The multidisciplinary approach outlined, incorporating natural products, computational methods, advanced preclinical in vitro and in vivo experiments, and advanced delivery systems, offers promise for the rapid, cost-effective development of safe and effective optimized formulations to address the growing challenge of OPC, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Insights
This review proposes a novel natural product-based antifungal formulation for oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). This approach combines natural compounds, advanced delivery systems, and computational methods for rapid, cost-effective drug development.
Area of Science:
- Mycology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Computational Drug Discovery
Background:
- Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) significantly impacts immunocompromised and elderly populations.
- Rising antifungal resistance and side effects necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
- Current treatments for OPC are limited by resistance and adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a comprehensive strategy for developing novel natural product-based antifungal formulations for OPC.
- To explore the use of mucoadhesive microemulsions for enhanced drug delivery and efficacy.
- To integrate computational methods for accelerated identification of potent antifungal agents.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
- Searched for terms including "oropharyngeal candidiasis," "natural antifungal agents," "flavonoids," "mucoadhesive microemulsions," and "computational drug discovery."
- Prioritized studies published within the last ten years.
Main Results:
- Identified natural compounds with demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida species.
- Highlighted the utility of computational tools like molecular docking and in silico ADMET for drug candidate screening.
- Reviewed in vitro/in vivo studies validating formulation safety and efficacy.
Conclusions:
- A multidisciplinary approach integrating natural products, computational methods, and advanced delivery systems shows promise for OPC treatment.
- This strategy facilitates rapid, cost-effective development of optimized antifungal formulations.
- The proposed approach addresses the growing challenge of OPC, especially in vulnerable patient groups.
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