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Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
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Prosapogenin CP4 and ursolic acid from Eriocapitella rivularis inhibit fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans

Wen-Biao Zu1, Zhao-Jie Wang1, Dong-Mei Tang1

  • 1Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education and Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, PR China.

Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology
|April 9, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found that two compounds from Eriocapitella rivularis, prosapogenin CP4 and ursolic acid, show synergistic antifungal activity against Candida albicans, offering a new treatment for oral candidiasis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Fungal diseases, including oral candidiasis (OC) caused by Candida albicans, affect over a billion people globally.
  • Eriocapitella rivularis is a traditional herb used to treat oral fungal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify potent antifungal compounds from E. rivularis.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of action of these compounds against C. albicans.

Main Methods:

  • Bio-guided isolation and network pharmacology identified anti-C. albicans compounds.
  • Antifungal, synergistic, and biofilm inhibition assays were performed.
  • In vivo efficacy was tested in a murine OC model.

Main Results:

  • Prosapogenin CP4 disrupted the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane, inhibited mitochondrial function, and affected hyphal growth.
  • Prosapogenin CP4 and ursolic acid showed synergistic activity against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans.
  • The combination inhibited biofilm formation, reduced fungal burden, and inflammation in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • A synergistic phytomedicine strategy using two triterpenoids from E. rivularis offers a promising therapeutic approach for OC.
  • This strategy is particularly effective for biofilm-associated oral candidiasis.
Keywords:
Antifungal bioactivityBiofilmCell envelopeEriocapitella rivularisOral candidiasisSynergy

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