Flavonoid as Anti-Candida Agents

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second most common cause of vaginitis after bacterial vaginosis with at least 75 – 80% of women have had one episode of VVC in their lifetime. Their prevalent resistance to most commonly used antifungal agents makes their treatment a challenge to physicians. Flavonoids have been shown to possess potent anti-Candida properties which can inhibit the growth and proliferation of Candida species through various mechanisms, including inhibition of fungal cell wall synthesis, disruption of fungal cell membrane integrity, and interference with fungal cell signaling pathways. Their potency makes them potential candidates for the development of antifungal agents for the treatment of candidiasis, alone or in combination with existing antifungal drugs. The review aims to explore the mechanisms by which flavonoids inhibit the growth and proliferation of Candida species, including the inhibition of fungal cell wall synthesis, disruption of fungal cell membrane integrity, and interference with fungal cell signaling pathways.