2-ethyl-1-hexanol: a promising molecule against priority fungal pathogens.

Aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate the antifungal activity of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2-EH), toxicity, including mutagenic potential in vitro and cytotoxicity in vivo, as well as describe physicochemical and pharmacological characteristics of the molecule.

Methods and results: In vitro susceptibility tests were performed against planktonic cells of Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida spp. and Fusarium spp., priority fungal pathogens. Toxicity was evaluated both in the software, in vitro by the Ames mutagenicity test and in vivo by the larval model. Subsequently, the characterization of the molecule was performed using the SwissADME and Osiris property explorer software. 2EH inhibits the growth of these fungi, with MIC ranging from 0.0520 to 0.0260 g·mL⁻¹ and fungicidal effect. In toxicity, according to software analysis, 2EH does not present mutagenic, tumorigenic or carcinogenic effects, nor does it cause respiratory and mitochondrial toxicity. In the mutagenicity test, at concentrations lower than 0.1041 g·mL⁻¹, the molecule does not present toxic effects and at MIC concentrations, it was not toxic to Tenebrio molitor (80% survival). 2EH meets the physical, chemical and pharmacological parameters and has the potential to become a drug.

Conclusions: 2EH has antifungal action against priority fungal pathogens and at certain concentrations it is not mutagenic, nor does it present toxicity to larvae, therefore, our results suggest that this molecule could be a candidate for the antifungal arsenal.