Natural compounds with inhibitory action against Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata: a review

Abstract

Candida species are opportunistic fungi and, as a means of adaptation and survival to the external environment, develop resistance mechanisms to antifungal agents. The current increase on infections caused by Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata, encouraged the search for new combinations of antifungal agents, due to the limited therapeutic options. This systematic literature review included the search for articles in three databases. PUBMED, SciELO and LILACS were chosen because they comprise studies on the activity of natural compounds against these two fungal species. Using the appropriate descriptors and eligibility criteria, 33/408 publications found met the inclusion criteria, being used to compose this review. The largest number of works published was in Brazil, possibly due to its biodiversity, but countries like Iran, South Africa and India have also been investigating the field exploring new natural compounds with antifungal activity. The division of the studies was between compounds with inhibitory action against one of the selected species, and the compounds with inhibitory action against both species. The latter with the highest percentage (35%) reported. It was also found most of the evaluated compounds (72%) had good antifungal activity and are more commonly used in the form of extracts. The findings in this review can be used to increase the chances of cure and for better management of patients with infection caused by C. tropicalis and C. glabrata.